LANSING — The state of Michigan has continued to see traffic fatality numbers since 2008 under the 1,000-per-year mark for the first time since 1943 according to a report from Michigan Radio. 

Experts believe the reduced deaths are due to improved car safety technologies such as airbags, seat belts and other engineering advances. 

In 1943, the number of deaths was 992 while 2010 saw 937 deaths despite a larger state population. In 2009, the number was 871 and 2008 saw 980 deaths. In addition, the number of crashes in 2010 was lower than any other year since 1963.