21 law enforcement agencies will mobilize for Summer Heat traffic enforcement program on US 41

May 1, 2008

To combat speeding, aggressive driving and other dangerous actions that cause deadly crashes, 21 law enforcement agencies-from Menomonee Falls to Marinette-will intensify their traffic enforcement efforts on US 41 during the Summer Heat mobilization beginning today (May 1) to Sept. 30.

Speed-related crashes in Wisconsin kill or injure someone every 51 minutes. Speeding is not only deadly; it's all too prevalent. In 2007, there were nearly one-quarter million speeding convictions in Wisconsin including more than 145,000 for 11 to 19 mph over the posted limit, according to Wisconsin Department of Transportation statistics.

"With saturation patrols for high visibility enforcement on this heavily traveled highway, we are striving to get drivers on US 41 to comply voluntarily with traffic laws to reduce crashes that cause deaths and serious injuries," says Dennis Hughes, chief of safety programs for the State Patrol Bureau of Transportation Safety. "However, if voluntary compliance fails, officers who will be patrolling in greater numbers and for longer hours on the 170-mile US 41 corridor will be prepared to ticket speeders and other violators."

The Wisconsin State Patrol Bureau of Transportation Safety will provide a total of $389,000 in federal funding for the Summer Heat mobilization. Local agencies may use the funds to pay for officers' overtime and other traffic enforcement expenses (see list of participating agencies).

PARTICIPATING LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES