Traffic Deaths Down in September

September ended with 46 traffic deaths statewide, the lowest figure for September since WWII, state transportation officials said.

In Waukesha County, there have been 10 traffic deaths so far in 2011. Waukesha County averaged 24 deaths a year from 2006 to 2010, according to state Department of Transportation figures.

Statewide, there were 409 traffic fatalities through Sept. 30, including 70 motorcycle drivers, seven motorcycle passengers, 36 pedestrians and 10 bicyclists, the DOT reported. 

That 409 figure is 17 fewer than the same time period in 2010.

The deadliest September on record was 1973 with 116 traffic deaths.

“Although fewer people lost their lives on our roads than any other month of September in more than half a century, there were still 46 people who didn’t return home because of a crash,” said Major Sandra Huxtable, director of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Safety.

“Any preventable traffic death is one too many,” Huxtable added. “Motorists can help reach our goal of zero preventable traffic deaths in Wisconsin by slowing down, making sure everyone in their vehicle is buckled up, always driving sober, and eliminating distractions behind the wheel.”