A total of 81 people die in state traffic crashes during July

August 6, 2007

In July, 81 people died in 72 Wisconsin traffic crashes, according to preliminary statistics from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. The 81 traffic deaths in July were two more than in July 2006 when 79 people died in 70 crashes and two fewer than the five-year average for the month of July of 83 fatalities in 75 crashes.

The safest month of July since World War II was in 1946 with 49 traffic fatalities, and the deadliest July occurred in 1966 and 1971 with 140 fatalities.

As of July 31, a total of 422 people have died in Wisconsin traffic crashes during 2007, including 66 motorcycle drivers and passengers, four bicyclists and 34 pedestrians. The number of traffic deaths through July was 19 more than during the same period in 2006 but 17 fewer than the five-year average. 

“In coming weeks, many people will be traveling while on vacation or to attend large events around the state. Traffic will be heavy and slowdowns and stoppages may be prevalent, especially near road construction zones,” says Dennis Hughes, chief of safety programs for the Wisconsin State Patrol Bureau of Transportation Safety. “To reach their destination safely, motorists should expect the unexpected and pay attention to rapidly changing traffic conditions. They must eliminate distractions while driving and reduce their speed to have time to react to sudden traffic slowdowns or stoppages.”

For more information:
Dennis Hughes
(608) 267-9075, dennis.hughes@dot.state.wi.us