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.
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“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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