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Give Death a Holiday

Since September 11, 2001, the attention of Wisconsin and the nation has been properly focused on our national security and personal safety.

But there is an ongoing safety crisis in Wisconsin that also deserves our attention. Traffic crashes continue to claim far too many lives.

• In 2002, 805 people in Wisconsin died in motor vehicle crashes.  2003 traffic fatalities are on a pace to surpass that number.

We must all take personal responsibility for the way we behave behind the wheel by buckling up, staying alert, slowing down, allowing adequate space between vehicles, and driving drug and alcohol free.

"Give Death a Holiday" is a campaign that urges Wisconsin motorists to buckle up, drive sober and slow down.

Buckle up
Of those who are killed in motor vehicle crashes, nearly two thirds are not buckled up. The combination of higher speeds, more vehicles on the roads and people not buckling up is lethal.

Drive sober
Alcohol still plays a significant role, representing at least a third of those people killed in crashes in Wisconsin.

Slow down
Speed has been listed as a primary factor in about 30% of all crashes. Throughout the highway system, traffic speeds continue to creep up. On virtually every highway type, interstate, state and county roads, more than 70% of the motorists are exceeding the posted speed limit.

What can you do?

The biggest factor in preventing driver fatalities is driver behavior. 85% of all our motor vehicle crashes are caused by driver error.

We urge every driver to take action to save you, your family, friends and others lives. Ask yourself:

• How fast am I driving? Is it too fast for conditions? For heavy traffic?
• Is everyone's seat belt buckled? Children appropriately restrained?
• Do I keep my cool when faced with other drivers' inappropriate behaviors?
• Do I leave sufficient space between vehicles?
• Do I have sufficient time to safely change lanes?
• Am I paying attention to my driving? To the other driver's behavior?
• Have I taken anything that would impair my driving?
• What are my children learning from me?

Driving is a serious business. There are hundreds of funerals in Wisconsin each year because some people didn't take their driving seriously.

Give Death a Holiday. Buckle up. Drive sober. Slow down.

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Questions about the content of this page:
Frank Huitt, frank.huitt@dot.state.wi.us
Last modified: November 4, 2003