November tied for second safest in terms of traffic deaths

In November, 54 people died in 48 Wisconsin traffic crashes, according to preliminary statistics from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.


 


In terms of traffic deaths, last month was tied for the second safest month of November since World War II with November of 1982, 1998 and 2000. The lowest total for November occurred in 1981 and 1991 with 50 traffic deaths. The deadliest month of November was in 1973 with 110 traffic deaths.


 


Traffic fatalities for November 2007 were 11 fewer than November 2006 when 65 people died in 60 Wisconsin traffic crashes and 13 fewer than the five-year average for the month of November.


 


During the Thanksgiving holiday period, 15 people died in Wisconsin traffic crashes from Wednesday evening, Nov. 21, through Sunday, Nov. 25. Last year, 14 people died during the Thanksgiving period.


 


As of Nov. 30, a total of 694 people have died in 615 Wisconsin traffic crashes during 2007, including 106 motorcycle drivers, five motorcycle passengers, 10 bicyclists and 49 pedestrians.  Traffic deaths through November were 36 more than during the same period in 2006 but 30 fewer than the five-year average. 


 


During December, motorists will need to adjust again to driving on ice and snow. Dennis Hughes, chief of safety programs for the Wisconsin State Patrol Bureau of Transportation Safety, says.  “Even on ice and snow covered roads, traffic crashes are preventable if you don’t drive too fast for conditions. Speed limits are set for clear and dry pavement, not for slippery road conditions.  And four-wheel drive vehicles don’t stop any better on ice or snow than other vehicles. To protect yourself and other motorists, you need to slow down and leave plenty of room for vehicles ahead of you. You also need to buckle up in case your vehicle slides off the road or is involved in a crash.”