We made significant progress in our efforts to reduce traffic crashes, deaths, and injuries in 2003. Thanks largely to hard work by our law enforcement partners, the United States realized a record high level of occupant protection use of 79 percent. We estimate that this 4-percentage-point increase in safety belt use will result each year in roughly 1,000 fewer fatalities across the country. While laying the groundwork for future fatality reduction through increased use of occupant protection devices, the nation’s total number of highway fatalities crept slightly upward. We must renew our efforts to build on our successes and strengthen our areas of weaker performance to speed the reduction of traffic fatalities and crippling, disabling injuries.