Wisconsin State Patrol Warns Of Spike In Traffic Deaths

Sunday, November 15th, 2020 -- 8:12 AM

The Wisconsin State Patrol is warning drivers of a “spike” in traffic deaths, in spite of the pandemic.

According to WMTV in Madison, so far in 2020, the agency reports, 518 people have died in Wisconsin resulting from a crash. In the same time frame last year, there were 485 traffic deaths.

Superintendent Tony Burrell calls this a “significant jump,” as “one fatality is one too many.”

This report comes as fewer cars have been on the roads since the pandemic started.    Part of the reason, he said, is that people who are out during the pandemic are considered “less risk averse.” They’re the ones often speeding, driving under the influence and not wearing their seat belts.   With the holiday season still to come, Burrell said he wants to drill this message: “Buckle up. Put away distractions. Be safe. Be smart. Be sober.”   AAA estimates up to 50 million Americans will be traveling on Thanksgiving, though that is fewer than recent years.

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