The RCMP say traffic deaths in Metro Vancouver communities they police tumbled 38 per cent last year.

There were 60 deaths, compared to 97 fatal crashes in 2010.

Seatbelt-related deaths plunged 75 per cent, alcohol-related fatalities were down 53 per cent and deaths blamed on speed or distracted driving fell as much as 47 per cent.

Superintendent Norm Gaumont credits B.C.'s tough new drinking and driving law for much of the change.

The law has been challenged in court and parts of it were ruled unconstitutional by a judge, who's given the province until June to fix the legislation.

The government said last fall there had been a 40 per cent drop in impaired driving deaths across B.C. since the law took effect in September of 2010.