National Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day on October 10 promotes safer driving to save lives
October 5, 2007
Although Wednesday, October 2, might not be a memorable date in history, it was a great day in Wisconsin. It was the last day (so far this year) that no one died in a traffic crash. Currently, Wisconsin has recorded 52 days in 2007 with zero traffic fatalities.
To increase the number of days with zero traffic deaths, Wisconsin law enforcement and safety officials are supporting “National Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day” on Wednesday, October 10. This day is set aside each year to urge all motorists to reduce traffic crashes and save lives by improving their driving behavior.
Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for all Americans from age 3 to 33, and more than 43,000 men, women and children die in traffic crashes every year. That’s about one death every 12 minutes. In 2007, Wisconsin traffic crashes have killed 575 people as of October 4, according to the Wisconsin State Patrol Bureau of Traffic Safety.
“Although October 10 is designated as Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day, safe driving needs to be a lifetime habit,” says Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent David Collins. “Driving a motor vehicle is by far the most dangerous thing most people do everyday. Each time you’re behind the wheel your life is at risk. But there are enormously effective ways to protect yourself, your passengers, and others on the road. You can prevent crashes simply by obeying speed limits, slowing down in bad weather and road conditions, eliminating distractions, and never driving when impaired by drugs, alcohol, or excess fatigue. And if you always wear your safety belt, your chances of surviving a serious crash are greatly increased. Ultimately, the goal is to have zero traffic fatalities everyday.”
For more information, visit the Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day Web site at: http://www.brakesonfatalities.org/aboutus.htm
For more information, contact:
Dennis Hughes
(608) 267-9075,
dennis.hughes@dot.state.wi.us
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