Wisconsin Car Accident Deaths On The Rise

There are fewer cars on the road, so why are traffic fatalities up?

There have been some alarming statistics recently surrounding Wisconsin car crash and motorcycle crash deaths. At one point in March traffic was estimated to be down almost 40%. Since March, the traffic levels seem to have been increasing.

Even though there were significantly fewer cars on the road, traffic fatalities actually increased over the same time period from 2019 to 2020. Through the first seven months of 2020, 433 people died in Wisconsin motor vehicle crashes, compared to 414 people during the same period in 2019. Speeding, distracted driving, and failure to wear seat belts are the primary factors for the increase in fatalities, according to David Pabst of the Wisconsin DOT.

“During the first six months of 2020, there were more than 56,000 convictions for speeding – ranging from 1 to 10 mph over the limit to driving 20 or more mph over the limit, according to DOT records. That doesn’t reflect the number of speeders who weren’t caught.

Pabst said he observed that a number of motorists were driving at ridiculously high speeds when roads were lightly traveled.

“I’ve noticed people driving extremely fast. It’s really concerning,” he said, adding that some of them “tend to take risks and drive impaired.”

“(Speeding) is a constant problem. I wish people would slow down and pay attention to what they’re doing. As speed increases, the likelihood of crashes also rises.”

Pabst said it is estimated that speeding accounts for one-third of fatalities in Wisconsin. With the uptick in speeds, which he described as a problem throughout the country, crashes are becoming more violent, he said.”

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or lost their life from a fatal car accident in Wisconsin, make sure to follow our car accident checklist and contact Gruber Law Offices today for a free review of your case. Our experienced and aggressive car accident lawyers conduct immediate and detailed investigations and will work hard get you the compensation you deserve. There is never a fee until we win. ONE CALL … THAT’S ALL!

Traffic Stats:

Top 10 traffic convictions in Wisconsin

2019 (first six months)

Operating with a suspended license, 35,982
Speeding (11-19 mph over the limit), 35,761
No compulsory insurance, 29,544
No proof of compulsory insurance, 20,294
Unregistered vehicle, 18,257
Failure to fasten seat belt, 17,096
Speeding (1-10 mph over the limit), 16,878
Operating without driver’s license, 13,835
Speeding (20 or more mph over the limit), 12,257
Operating under the influence of an intoxicant, 12,166

2020 (first six months)

Speeding (11-19 mph over the limit), 29,523
Operating with a suspended license, 27,913
No compulsory insurance, 22,787
No proof of compulsory insurance, 14,371
Speeding (1-10 mph over the limit), 13,587
Speeding (20 or more over the limit), 13,060
Unregistered vehicle, 12,944
Operating without driver’s license, 11,643
Failure to fasten seat belt, 10,901
Operating under the influence of an intoxicant, 10,008

Source: Wisconsin Department of Transportation

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Disclaimer: This post provides general information but is not legal advice and should not be construed as legal advice.

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Wisconsin Car Accident Deaths On The Rise Despite Traffic Decline

There are fewer cars on the road, so why are traffic fatalities up?

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