"Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day" on Oct. 10 promotes safer driving to attain zero preventable traffic deaths

October 8, 2009

Although Oct. 1, 2009 might not be a remarkable date in history, it was a great day in Wisconsin. So far this year, Oct. 1 was the last day in Wisconsin that no one died in a traffic crash. Currently, Wisconsin has recorded 78 days in 2009 with zero traffic fatalities.

To increase the number of days with zero traffic deaths, Wisconsin law enforcement and traffic safety officials are joining their counterparts around the country to support National "Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day" on Saturday, Oct. 10. This day is set aside each year to urge all motorists to reduce traffic crashes and save lives by making responsible decisions behind the wheel.

On average over the last five years, nearly 725 people—about two per day—have died in traffic crashes each year in Wisconsin. Speeding, alcohol impairment, distracted driving, and lack of safety belt use are the destructive behaviors and bad habits that cause most traffic fatalities.

“Although October 10 is designated as 'Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day,' responsible 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 of us do every day. But there are enormously effective ways to protect yourself, your passengers, and others on the road. You can prevent most crashes simply by obeying speed limits, slowing down in bad weather and road conditions, eliminating distractions, and never driving when impaired by alcohol, drugs, or fatigue. And if you always wear your safety belt, your chances of surviving a serious crash are greatly increased. Ultimately, the goal is to attain zero traffic fatalities every day of the year.”

For more information, visit the "Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day" Web site.

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