Nashville, Tennessee --- The Tennessee Department of Safety is advising Nashville-area media that inaccurate Fatality numbers for 2005 were published and broadcast Tuesday by the news media.

The accurate numbers are as follows:

Traffic Deaths

• 2004—1,339
• 2005—1,270 NOT 1,207
• 2006—1,259 preliminary -0.9%

Reports falsely indicated the fatality numbers were up in 4.3% in 2006. The preliminary numbers are actually down 0.9%. (nearly a full percent)

The correct numbers were published earlier this month by the Associated Press.

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tn.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.