The number of highway motor vehicle fatalities decreased slightly in 1999, despite the growing economy. Historically, economic expansions have led to short-term increases in fatalities. Slater said he has expanded DOT's mission, noting the important relationships between transportation, economic growth, trade, and environmental issues. Slater said the department had made progress in lowering alcohol-related highway fatalities and mobile source emissions, but did not fully meet its goals. DOT does not expect the agency to meet its fiscal 2000 goal for operational effectiveness.
Runway incursions occur when objects or people obstruct a runway in use.
The seat belt use rate was 67 percent in 1999, missing the department's goal by 13 percent.