Westminster

Fatalities Down: Traffic deaths since Jan. 1 have dropped dramatically over last year in the city, and the seat belt law could be the reason why, police said Wednesday. One person has died in a car crash so far this year, while four people had died in crashes by this time last year, said Julie Newell, city traffic safety officer. “Some of it has to be a result of the seat belt law,� Newell said, referring to the state law that took effect Jan. 1, requiring drivers and passengers to buckle up. Officers on the scene of minor injury or non-injury accidents have noticed that “a large percentage� of drivers and passengers are wearing seat belts, she said.