WASHINGTON — Despite special interest groups’ and some media’s recent efforts to portray trucks as increasingly dangerous, fatalities from crashes involving medium and heavy trucks fell15.9 percent 2008, compared to 2007.

Overall, the number of deaths related to transportation fell by almost 10 percent in (39,397 in 2008, down from 43,384) — the third year in a row that total transport-related deaths have decreased in the U.S., according to preliminary figures released by the National Transportation Safety Board.

Specifically, the number of medium and heavy truck-related fatalities fell from 805 to 677 in 2008.

This is consistent with a 15-year trend of falling commercial truck-related fatalities. 

"While the statistics reveal an encouraging trend line, there is still much work to be done to ensure that fewer families each year will face losing a loved one in a transportation accident," said Deborah Hersman, NTSB chairman.