Wisconsin traffic crashes claim 59 lives in June

July 2, 2009

In June, 59 people died in 48 Wisconsin traffic crashes, according to preliminary statistics from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT).  Traffic fatalities in June were four more than in June 2008, when 55 people died. However, traffic fatalities last month were seven fewer than the five-year average of 66 deaths for the month of June.

In terms of traffic deaths, last month was the seventh safest month of June since World War II. The safest month of June occurred in 1946 with 45 traffic deaths, and the deadliest month of June was in 1956 with 115 fatalities.

As of June 30, a total of 247 people have died in 217 Wisconsin traffic crashes during 2009, including 41 motorcycle drivers, five motorcycle passengers, five bicyclists and 10 pedestrians.  Traffic deaths through June were six fewer than during the same period in 2008 and 76 fewer than the five-year average. 

“Although Wisconsin is maintaining an overall decline in traffic fatalities so far this year, we are still seeing a sharp increase in fatalities as the result of motorcycle crashes in the last few months. As of the end of June, 46 motorcycle drivers and passengers have died in crashes in 2009 compared with 28 motorcyclists on the same date last year,” says Dennis Hughes, chief of safety programs for the WisDOT Bureau of Transportation Safety. “To prevent deaths and injuries, we are urging drivers to watch for motorcycles especially at intersections and while making turns or lane changes. We also are urging motorcycle riders to obey all traffic laws, especially speed limits, and never ride while impaired by alcohol or drugs.”

For more information, contact:
Steve Olson, Office of Public Affairs
(608) 261-5896, steven.olson@dot.wi.gov