Traffic Deaths in February Tied for Eighth Lowest Since WWII

Madiosn, WI – With a total of 32 fatalities in 31 Wisconsin traffic crashes, last month was tied for the eighth safest month of February in terms of traffic deaths since World War II, according to preliminary statistics from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). The safest month of February since World War II occurred in 1983 with 23 traffic deaths, and the deadliest February was in 1968 with 73 fatalities.

Traffic fatalities in February were one more than in February 2009 and six fewer than the five-year average of 38 fatalities for the month of February.

As of Feb. 28, a total of 52 people have died in Wisconsin traffic crashes during 2010, including four pedestrians. Traffic deaths through February were 14 fewer than during the same period in 2009 and 33 fewer than the five-year average.

“So far this year, traffic fatalities are continuing to decline compared with 2009 when Wisconsin had the fewest deaths in 65 years,” says Dennis Hughes, chief of safety programs for the WisDOT Bureau of Transportation Safety. “But in coming months, it will be a huge challenge to continue this decline in traffic deaths. In late winter and early spring, weather and road conditions are very unpredictable and can become hazardous without warning. And when warmer weather arrives and the snow finally melts, motorists typically drive faster, which can cause more violent and potentially deadly crashes. There also will soon be more pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists on the road. For their own safety and the safety of others, drivers will need to be just as vigilant and cautious in coming months as they have been all winter.”

Posted @ 5:43 p.m.