MADISON, Wis. -- With 2009 nearly half over, Wisconsin is continuing a downward trend of traffic fatalities, according to state officials.

Heading into the final day of June on Tuesday, the state Department of Transportation reports 242 people have been killed on Wisconsin's roadways -- 10 fewer than at the same time a year ago.

The number of fatalities is down 78 from the five-year average of 320 for this time of year.

The Transportation Department reports the fatalities so far this year include 42 motorcyclists and five bicyclists.

Last year, traffic crashes on Wisconsin roads and highways killed 587 people -- 150 fewer than in 2007 and the lowest total in 64 years.

Safety experts attributed the drop, in part, to record-high gas prices.