How strange that a death toll of 16,626 people comes as good news. That's because that total represents a record low for half a year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

 The federal agency said that estimated total for the January-June period represents a 7 percent drop from the 17,871 killed on U.S. roads during the first half of 2008.

NHTSA is also projecting a .record low fatality rate of 1.15 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, compared 1.23 deaths during the same period last year.

It's progress, but those numbers are still horrific -- more than the equivalent of five 9/11s between Jan. 1 and June 30. And it's cold comfort to those who have lost family members, friends and colleagues.