Traffic Deaths Hitting a 15-Year High Including in Wisconsin

Wednesday, November 3rd, 2021 -- 1:00 PM

(WMTV) Recent crashes in Wisconsin are illustrating a nationwide trend.

According to new data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, traffic deaths are hitting a 15-year high, and the trends in this new report are reflected in Wisconsin.

The U.S. Department of Transportation says there were more than 20,000 road fatalities in the first six months of 2021. That’s the highest total for that period since 2006. Preliminary state Department of Transportation data shows 510 traffic fatalities so far this year.

On average that number is around 580. But with 2021 quickly coming to an end, it is likely that average will be met; especially with more drivers on the roads, following the peak of the pandemic. Last year Wisconsin saw 593 traffic fatalities.

That’s the second highest number of traffic fatalities since 2016, according to the DOT; only one less than the 594 deaths in 2017. The sad reality is new drivers, teens and young adults are often involved. Their deaths shaking communities.

But in other cases, it’s not always the drivers fault. Sometimes there are more factors involved. With engineering, education and enforcement, officials hope to see the death toll decline.

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