Traffic deaths last month set record for lowest ever in March

April 3, 2008

With a total of 27 fatalities in 26 Wisconsin traffic crashes, last month was the safest month of March in terms of traffic deaths in more than 70 years of record keeping, according to preliminary statistics from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. The deadliest month of March occurred in 1970 with 99 traffic fatalities.

Traffic fatalities in March were 31 fewer than in March 2007 when 58 people died in 52 crashes and 30 fewer than the five-year average of 57 deaths in 50 crashes during the month of March.

As of March 31, a total of 113 people have died in 108 Wisconsin traffic crashes during 2008, including 12 pedestrians and one bicyclist. Traffic deaths through March were 40 fewer than during the same period in 2007 and 45 fewer than the five-year average.

"In March, winter weather conditions were again a factor in reducing traffic volumes and speeds, which likely contributed to a drop in violent crashes that cause fatalities. Bad weather tends to make people stay home or drive more cautiously if they do travel," says Dennis Hughes, chief of safety programs for the Wisconsin State Patrol Bureau of Transportation Safety. "In coming months, however, driving will be even more dangerous as warmer weather leads to more vehicles at higher speeds on our roads. Drivers will need to be prepared for quickly changing traffic conditions, especially when the road construction season begins. They also must be vigilant in watching for more motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians on roadways."

For more information, contact:
Dennis Hughes, Chief of Safety Programs, Wisconsin State Patrol
(608) 267-9075, dennis.hughes@dot.state.wi.us