Last month was the safest month of November in terms of traffic deaths since World War II

December 6, 2012

With a total of 36 fatalities in 33 Wisconsin crashes, last month had the lowest number of traffic deaths for the month of November since World War II, according to preliminary statistics from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). The deadliest month of November occurred in 1973 with 110 traffic deaths.

Traffic fatalities last month were 16 fewer than November 2011 and 13 fewer than the five-year average for the month of November.

Four people died in crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period from 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 21, to midnight on Sunday, November 25.

As of the end of November, 569 people have died in Wisconsin traffic crashes, including 101 motorcycle drivers, 13 motorcycle passengers, 39 pedestrians and 10 bicyclists. Traffic deaths through November were 55 more than during the same period in 2011 and 15 more than the five-year average.

"Although traffic fatalities moderated in November, they still are about 11 percent higher overall than at the same time last year. Fatalities have increased about 34 percent this year for motorcycle drivers and passengers. In addition, far too many drivers and passengers in automobiles and light trucks have died this year because they were not wearing safety belts and consequently were ejected from their vehicles in crashes," says State Patrol Major Sandra Huxtable, director of the WisDOT Bureau of Transportation Safety. "To protect individuals, families and whole communities from the devastating effects of traffic crashes during the upcoming holiday season, law enforcement agencies throughout the state will be on the lookout for unbelted motorists and drunken drivers during the Booze and Belts mobilization from December 7 to 16. We hope that one day we’ll attain zero preventable traffic deaths in Wisconsin. And there's no better time of year to work toward that goal than right now."

For more information, contact:
State Patrol Major Sandra Huxtable, Bureau of Transportation Safety
(608) 266-3048, sandra.huxtable@dot.wi.gov