WI Traffic Deaths Down in 2006
Save Email Print
Bookmark and Share
Posted: 6:15 PM Jan 2, 2007
WI Traffic Deaths Down in 2006
Seatbelt use was at all-time high
Reporter: Mark Povolny
Email Address: mark.povolny@weau.com
width:200 and height: 120 and picwidth: 200 and pciheight: 120
Font Size:

Wisconsin traffic crashes in 2006 killed the fewest number of people in 9 years.

The state Department of Transportation says more people used their seatbelts, meaning fewer people died during crashes. 709 people died in Wisconsin last year. The State Patrol says the high gas prices, media campaigns, and extra patrols helped keep traffic deaths down.

“A combination of all those factors is working to bring a lot more people home for the holidays and it brings a lot safer driving for most people,” Wisconsin State Patrol Sgt. Mike Melgaard says.

This year is not off to a good start- there have already been five fatalities through Tuesday morning, including the New Year’s Day fatal crash in Saint Croix County.

Melgaard says 75 percent of Wisconsin drivers wore their seatbelts, an all-time record.
WEAU.com most popular
wi jobs
Check out the latest job postings from the WEAU Job Board! View More Jobs.