The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security has announced preliminary figures indicating the state recorded 988 traffic fatalities in 2013.That’s a 2.7 percent decrease in vehicular deaths on Tennessee roadways last year compared to 2012, when there were 1,015 traffic fatalities.The 2013 traffic fatality numbers include vehicular deaths reported by all Tennessee law enforcement agencies.Last year’s preliminary number of 988 traffic-related deaths in Tennessee represents just the fourth time in 50 years vehicular fatalities have dropped below 1,000. In 2011, there were 937 traffic-related deaths on Tennessee roadways, representing the lowest figure since 1963.“The decline in the number of traffic fatalities in 2013 indicates Tennessee is moving in the right direction,” said Commissioner Bill Gibbons. “Our focus on data-driven deployment of state troopers to have the maximum impact on DUI and seatbelt enforcement is paying off.