August was the safest month for traffic accidents in the state since the end of World War II, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT).
It is preliminarily tied with August 2009. Last month, there were 52 traffic-related deaths. August’s five-year average is 62 deaths.
During the first eight months of 2017, 396 Wisconsinites died in traffic accidents. This includes three bicyclists, 42 pedestrians, and 58 motorcyclists.
“In coming weeks, many motorcyclists will be heading out for fall rides around the state,” David Pabst, director of WisDOT’s Bureau of Transportation Safety, said. “We’re asking drivers to share the road and look twice for motorcycles especially at intersections when making turns and changing lanes. Motorcyclists can do their part by wearing protective and visible clothing and gear, including a helmet. Tragically, about three out of four motorcyclists who died in crashes last year in Wisconsin were not wearing helmets.”
In August 2016, there were 57 traffic fatalities.
The deadliest month for traffic fatalities in Wisconsin was August 1969 with 154 fatalities.
While August was the safest month, July was the deadliest thus far in 2017, with 66 fatalities. The July five-year average is 55. September began with three fatalities over the Labor Day weekend.