Traffic fatalities are down from last year in Jacksonville. JSO reports that from January 1st to June 30th:
Downtown
Springfield
Northside 2007 – 7 2008 – 7
Arlington 2007 – 19 2008 – 8
Southside
Mandarin 2007 – 15 2008 – 17
Westside 2007 – 19 2008 – 15
Northwest Jacksonville 2007 – 13 2008 – 13
North Jacksonville 2007 – 19 2008 – 6
TOTAL 2007 – 89 2008 – 66
Police say careless driving along with alcohol and drugs contribute to many deaths. Almost half of the traffic deaths are caused by people not using seat belts or motorcycle helmets.