A total of 78 people died in Wisconsin traffic crashes in September

October 4, 2007

In September, 78 people died in 68 Wisconsin traffic crashes, according to preliminary statistics from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. The 78 deaths in September were 11 more than in September 2006 when 67 people died in 63 crashes and six more than the five-year average for the month of September of 72 fatalities in 67 crashes.

As of September 30, a total of 570 people have died in Wisconsin traffic crashes during 2007, including 96 motorcycle drivers, four motorcycle passengers, seven bicyclists and 45 pedestrians. Traffic deaths through September were 44 more than during the same period in 2006 but 16 fewer than the five-year average. 

In terms of traffic deaths, the safest months of September since World War II occurred in 1949 and 1994 with 55 fatalities. The deadliest month of September was in 1973 with 116 fatalities.

“So far this year, we already have100 motorcycle driver and passenger fatalities, compared with 93 for all of last year, ” says Dennis Hughes, manager of safety programs for the State Patrol Bureau of Transportation Safety. “As the motorcycle-riding season in Wisconsin starts drawing to a close, we are urging all motorcyclists to ride sober and make sure they use protective equipment, like helmets. We also strongly advise all drivers to look out for motorcycles, particularly at intersections, and to share the road. It’s also the time of year when motorists need to take precautions to avoid deer crashes. Motorcyclists must be especially careful. Motorcycles were involved in five of the seven fatal deer-vehicle crashes in Wisconsin in 2006.”

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