WI: Death rates below 600 for third straight year

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State traffic deaths below 600 for third straight year By Meg Jones of the Journal Sentinel

For the third straight year, the number of traffic deaths on Wisconsin roads was below 600 - a trend not seen since World War II.
Though the number of traffic deaths in 2010 was 22 more than the previous year, it was significantly below the five-year average, according to state Department of Transportation figures released Tuesday.
Last year, 564 people lost their lives in traffic accidents in Wisconsin. While the number of people dying in cars and light trucks dropped, there were more pedestrian, bicycle and motorcycle-related deaths.
Motorcyclist fatalities increased from 84 in 2009 to 104 last year, which State Patrol Maj. Dan Lonsdorf attributed to more people riding motorcycles because of the slumping economy and higher gas prices. Plus, a warm summer boosted ridership.
"We've seen more motorcycles overall," said Lonsdorf, DOT director of transportation safety, adding that the number of motorcycle registrations in Wisconsin has grown by more than 10,000 annually in recent years. "It's an economical way to travel because they're cheaper than cars."
About 75% of the people who died in motorcycle crashes were not wearing a helmet, Lonsdorf said.
The number of pedestrians killed in traffic accidents also increased from 36 to 54 last year. The five-year average for pedestrian fatalities is 50. There were two more bicyclist fatalities in 2010, when nine deaths were recorded.
"We know more people are walking, biking and motorcycling than every before. We're encouraged that more people are using other modes of transportation to get around," Lonsdorf said. "But it tells us that there's still a lot of work to be done."
To reduce deaths and injuries from motorcycle accidents, new and more comprehensive training courses will be offered by the Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Program throughout the state this year for beginning, intermediate and experienced riders. Authorities are recommending refresher courses for motorcyclists who have not ridden in several years.
Last month was the safest December on Wisconsin roads since World War II; 38 people died in 35 crashes. The five-year average for the month of December is 51 fatalities.
The last time there were fewer than 600 traffic deaths for three consecutive years was 1942-1944 when gas rationing drastically cut down the number of miles driven on Wisconsin roads. As recently as 2007, more than 700 people were killed in traffic accidents in the state.
"People are thinking more about drinking and driving, more are wearing seat belts than ever before in Wisconsin," said Lonsdorf. "People are making a little bit better decisions."