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WisDOT Radio News Fax

October 30, 2009
With Halloween upon us, it's especially important for motorists to keep a sharp eye out for trick-or-treaters this weekend. Because communities have trick-or-treat at different times of the day and night, motorists will have to stay alert throughout the weekend. Parents are reminded that their children's costumes, especially masks, should not interfere with vision and they should remind their younger children to always hold someone's hand when crossing a street. *** Audio cuts

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If you're among those who plan to attend a Halloween party and partake in the party punch or other alcoholic beverage, make sure you have alternate plans to get home. State safety officials are reminding party-goers that while the legal blood alcohol limit for proof of intoxication is 0.08, you can, in fact, be impaired at a much lower level. If you plan to drink, don't drive; have a designated driver, take public transportation, or stay where you are. *** Audio cuts

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Seat belt citations have been on the rise in Wisconsin. Through the first three quarters of the year, citations for seat belt violations entered into driver records have jumped about 28 percent from the same period last year (from about 58,000 last year to 74,600 this year). Seat belt citations made up nearly 12 percent of all traffic violations entered into driver records so far this year compared with about 10 percent last year. A bill allowing law enforcement to pull motorists over just for not wearing a safety belt became effective in June of this year. Meanwhile, speed-related violations continue to be about 26 percent of all citations entered into driver records.

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Daylight saving time begins this weekend. That means it will be getting darker earlier in the afternoon. Motorists will need to switch on their headlights sooner and watch for pedestrians and bicyclists during their evening commutes. 

Madison-area media can call (608) 267-9396.  

For more information contact:

Michael Goetzman, (608) 266-2520
michael.goetzman@dot.state.wi.us

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Office of Public Affairs, opa.exec@dot.state.wi.us 
Last modified: October 29, 2009