Vehicle crash deaths down
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The number of motorists killed in traffic crashes last month was the second lowest since World War II, but motorcycle fatalities climbed significantly.
State transportation officials say motorcycle deaths jumped to 28 at the end of May, compared to 15 fatalities at the same time last year.
DOT safety chief Dennis Hughes urges motorists to be on the lookout for motorcyclists as the improving weather increases their activity.
Forty-eight-year-old people were killed on state roads in May, the second lowest since World War II. The lowest number of traffic deaths in May was set last year at 47.
Last year, 589 people died on Wisconsin roads, the lowest total since 1944.
Jun 5, 2009 at 2:15 p.m.
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Funny, JCK. That's probably an "autocorrect" feature at work.
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The only bit of the argument I get is the idea that a helmet obscures vision because you can't see to the right or left as well. OK, but imagine how your vision will be obscured when you're in a neck brace, dummy. Helmets would prevent 2/3 of brain injuries. Also, experience isn't as helpful as you think -- half of all deaths are riders 40 and over.
http://www.iii.org/media/hottopics/insur...
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Since I have an extended-family member in the hospital right now for a brain injury and I've experienced a serious head injury myself as a crime victim, I take this pretty seriously. I've been advised that most people my age have limited chances to survive a second head injury.
Jun 5, 2009 at 1:43 p.m.
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One thing I will never understand: seatbelts IN A COVERED VEHICLE are mandatory, driving out in the wide open doesn't require a helmet. Plus, everyone pushes, pushes, pushes helmets while riding bikes and rollerblading. I just don't get it....
Jun 5, 2009 at 1:37 p.m.
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Perhaps those driving motorcycles should work on their driving skills as well. One of Kutters finest was driving his Hog to work this morning and became impatient when he actually had to stop his bike for a tanker trailer which stopped before crossing the railroad tracks on Hwy 26 in Milton. Instead of waiting, like the rest of us, he swerves to the right, guns his bike and speeds past two cars, a semi and the tanker as they tried to merge into the right lane. Does the owner of Kutters get really pissed off and dock their pay if they don't punch in on time? Maybe if he left for work, say 30 seconds earlier. I stayed in line, drove between 55mph & 60mph to Janesville and caught up to him at the Pontiac St. signal as he waited to turn left. Wow, I guess driving like an idiot was worth it, huh! If you expect to get respect on the road you should be willing to show some respect as well regardless of what you drive!
Jun 5, 2009 at 12:23 p.m.
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sqmthing!?? sounds like you have already done that and shown me not to. I only said what I said because I love my friends who ride and don't wear there protective gear for just the reasons I stated. Don't get your knickers in a bundle!!
Jun 5, 2009 at 10:49 a.m.
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Force whoanellie to sit in front of her TV with blinders on, so she can't go outside and be hurt by a falling asteroid or sqmething.
Jun 5, 2009 at 10:30 a.m.
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Make it a law that motorcyclists need to wear a helmet and Protective gear and there won't be as many deaths. I know you motor cyclists don't alway like to wear the gear for fear of messing up your hair or to show off those tats but it makes sense!
Jun 5, 2009 at 8:49 a.m.
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"Forty-eight-year-old people were killed on state roads"
I'm glad I'm not 48.
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