Traffic Fatalities up in state of Wisconsin
Unfortunately, fatal car crashes is up in Wisconsin. Traffic fatalities rose statewide in 2016, compared to 2015. In Milwaukee, fatal car crashes decreased from 2015.
In 2016, 588 individuals were killed here in Wisconsin, the highest number of traffic fatalities since 2012, then 601 persons died, according to preliminary information obtained from the Department of Transportation. One of the reasons appears to be distracted driving, something I have spoken about numerous times in my daily blogs. Another contributing factor appears to be the decision in Wisconsin to increase the speed of vehicles from 65 to 70 mph that went into effect in June 2015. There are also more motorist traveling on the roads given the fact that the price of gas has been stable.
There are also a number of people who have been killed as result of stolen vehicles. There were 10 deaths in 2015 from such crashes. The five deaths represent 9% of the 57 traffic fatalities in the City of Milwaukee, compared with 15% of the 64 traffic fatalities in Milwaukee. In the prior year, 2014, only two persons lost their lives in similar crashes. According to Mayor Tom Barrett, carjackings and auto thefts remain a serious problem in the city of Milwaukee.
Whether from auto thefts or not, 588 persons losing their lives on Wisconsin roads simply is not acceptable. The contributing causes of speed, distracted driving, driving while under the influence and stolen cars are all factors. We can’t do too much about stolen cars or high speed police chases, at least not individually, but we can have an impact on the way we drive and that means slowing down, putting our cell phones down and concentrating more on the road. I commit to doing just that in 2017. Will you join me?
