ALLENTOWN — The number of deaths on Pennsylvania's highways has plunged to its lowest level since Model Ts still chugged along the roads of the commonwealth, and officials are crediting years of safety programs but cannot rule out an assist from the struggling economy.

According to Pennsylvania Department of Transportation figures, 1,256 people died in accidents in 2009, a 14.4 percent decline from 2008 and the lowest total since the state started keeping records in 1928. The previous low mark was 1,328 in fuel-scarce 1944 during World War II.

Officials had no immediate explanation for the decline, citing the cumulative effect of safety programs, but a PennDOT spokesman also acknowledged that less driving because of the recession may have been a factor.

"We like to think it's a combination of things," spokesman Steve Chizmar said.