Good news: Traffic fatalities remain lower in ’09
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin had 29 fatalities in traffic crashes in February and deaths so far remain lower than last year’s 64-year low.
State transportation officials say seven fewer people were killed this February than in February 2008.
The state has historically averaged 39 fatalities in the month.
A total of 64 people have died in Wisconsin traffic crashes in 2009, which is 16 fewer than the same period in 2008 and 30 fewer than the five-year average.
Chief safety spokesman Dennis Hughes says the trend is positive, but warns that when warmer weather and dry pavement arrives, speeds tend to increase and that leads to more deadly crashes.
Last year, 589 people were killed on Wisconsin’s roads, the lowest total since 1944.
Mar 9, 2009 at 9 a.m.
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Less people traveling the interstates because they are always closed due to accidents :)
Mar 8, 2009 at 11:59 a.m.
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It is very interesting how persistent the change in driving habits has been, even though prices came back down. Note also that it correlates with general economic activity, as there are fewer salespersons or truck drivers on the road.
Mar 7, 2009 at 9:40 p.m.
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I agree, high gas prices directly influenced these numbers.
Mar 7, 2009 at 7:36 p.m.
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Four dollar a gallon gas last year and no job to drive to or money to spend this year. Economic collapse saves lives.
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