During the holiday season, many families in Wisconsin are traveling. As they do so, they must face very real concerns about their safety while on the roadways. While recent statistics released by the state Department of Transportation indicate that the average number of car accident fatalities during the month of November is lower than previous years, the number of fatalities for 2015, year to date, was higher.
In Nov. 2014, 51 traffic fatalities occurred while the five-year average for the month is 47. Nov. 2015 proved less fatal for those on Wisconsin roadways with only 45 fatalities. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation says that this November was ranked the fourth safest when examining the number of fatalities in the same month since World War II.
However, the number of fatalities in 2015 is higher than in 2014. As of Nov. 30, there were 520 fatalities in traffic accidents. In contrast, there were only 455 during the same period of time in 2014. Nevertheless, a representative for the Bureau of Transportation claims that the state is committed to keeping drivers safe throughout the remaining holiday season. As part of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign that encompasses both Christmas and New Years, police will be targeting drivers who may be under the influence of alcohol in an attempt to reduce the number of traffic-related fatalities and injuries.
The goal to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries in Wisconsin is an important one; however, there are still families who are suffering as a result of a car accident. Some are helping a loved one recover from injuries caused by a negligent driver while others a facing a holiday season without their family member. Additionally, car accidents can also place a financial burden on families due to medical bills, funeral expenses and lost wages. For those people, there may be legal options available that would allow them to seek recompense. An initial consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney could be the first step to obtaining the justice they deserve.
Source: cbs58.com, “45 People Killed in Wisconsin Traffic Accidents in November“, Justin Thompson-Gee, Dec. 3, 2015
