SPRINGFIELD - The decline in traffic deaths last year in Illinois mirrors a trend seen throughout the country, a report released Tuesday shows.

A study by the Governors Highway Safety Association shows 43 states seeing a decline in deaths behind the wheel. Illinois' road fatality tally dropped 16 percent between 2007 and 2008 to 1,043.

Nationally, the figures show a 10.6 percent drop.

Some have suggested the struggling economy and previously higher gas prices have led to people driving less and therefore fewer wrecks.

Paris Ervin, spokeswoman for the state Department of Transportation, said recent changes aimed at encouraging safer driving by teenagers may be playing a part, too.

And this year, lawmakers are trying to make more traffic safety laws. Earlier this month, a proposal to force motorcycle riders to wear helmets in Illinois was rejected by the state Senate.

But a plan to outlaw sending and receiving text messages while driving has been approved by the House could get more debate soon.

And both chambers have signed off on two similar plans that would allow semi truck drivers to go 65 mph on most Illinois interstates. Now, they're limited to 55 mph.

The plan's sponsor, state Rep. David Reis, said the uniform speed limit could prevent cars darting around trucks.

"You have everyone going different speeds," the Willow Hill Republican said.

The trucks idea has been approved by lawmakers before, but former Gov. Rod Blagojevich vetoed it repeatedly.

The trucks legislation is House Bill 3956 and Senate Bill 1467. The text message plan is House Bill 71.