Traffic Deaths in August Were Lowest Since End of World War II

September 3, 2009

In terms of traffic deaths, last month was the safest month of August on Wisconsin roadways since the end of World War II. Fifty-two people died in 47 traffic crashes in August, according to preliminary statistics from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). The deadliest month of August occurred in 1969 with 154 fatalities — the single worst month in Wisconsin history.

Traffic fatalities in August were 35 fewer than in August 2008 when 87 people died in 77 crashes and ­­22 fewer than the five-year average of 74 deaths in 66 crashes during the month of August.

As of Aug. 31, a total of 350 people have died in Wisconsin traffic crashes during 2009, including 59 motorcycle drivers, six motorcycle passengers, 22 pedestrians and six bicyclists. Traffic deaths through August were 52 fewer than during the same period in 2008 and 125 fewer than the five-year average. 

“Wisconsin traffic fatalities in both July and August, which typically are high-fatality months, were the lowest in the post World War II era,“ says Dennis Hughes, chief of safety programs for the Wisconsin DOT Bureau of Transportation Safety. “This significant decline in traffic deaths cannot be attributed simply to a bad economy that likely is decreasing vehicle miles traveled in the state. July and August were the first two months for primary safety belt enforcement in Wisconsin. Based on feedback from the Wisconsin State Patrol and other law enforcement agencies, we see indications that more people may be buckling up to avoid being stopped for violating the mandatory safety belt law. We’re confident that primary safety belt enforcement is saving lives and reducing injuries.”

For additonal information, contact:
Dennis Hughes, WisDOT Bureau of Transportation Safety
(608) 267-9075, dennis.hughes@dot.wi.gov