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Newsfax audio releases - November 6, 2009

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Listed below are MP3 audio files and the text of actualities and wraps associated with WisDOT's Radio NewsFax.

Preliminary data from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation indicates last month ranked among the safest Octobers ever. The Bureau of Transportation Safety's Dennis Hughes gives the historical perspective.

Cut 1: Dennis Hughes, Bureau of Transportation Safety  (335 KB/20 seconds)

"From a statistical standpoint, we may have just experienced the safest October on record — and that includes the World War II years that we typically use as our base years. It's a vast improvement from the 127 who were killed in traffic crashes in October of 1971, which was our highest point. But we still need to remember, these are not just statistics; they're real lives that have been lost."

Cut 2: Dennis Hughes, Bureau of Transportation Safety  (378 KB/23 seconds)

"Our traffic fatalities so far in 2009 are down nearly 27 percent from the five-year average. That's a significant decline. While we can't attribute it to any one thing, it appears that it's the combination of safer vehicles, our new primary seat belt enforcement law, improved emergency response services, and possibly lower travel due to the economy; all of those things could be factors."

Cut 3: Wrap with Hughes  (895 KB/56 seconds)

It appears that last month may have been a record-breaker on Wisconsin's highways. Preliminary data from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation shows traffic fatalities last month were down substantially, according to the Bureau of Transportation Safety's Dennis Hughes.

"From a statistical standpoint, we may have just experienced the safest October on record — and that includes the World War II years that we typically use as our base years. It's a vast improvement from the 127 who were killed in traffic crashes in October of 1971, which was our highest point. But we still need to remember, these are not just statistics; they're real lives that have been lost."

Hughes said traffic fatalities for the year are down nearly 27 percent from the five-year average. He said while the reason for the sharp decline is difficult to pinpoint, contributing factors could include safer vehicles, the new primary seat belt enforcement law, improved emergency response services, and lower rates of travel due to the economy. This is Mike Goetzman reporting.

The State Patrol's Law of the Month reminds motorists that winter is on its way. Wisconsin State Patrol Major Dan Lonsdorf says that winter is a prime time for crashes and cars in ditches, so motorists should be changing their driving habits this time of year.

Cut 4: Maj. Dan Lonsdorf, State Patrol  (276 KB/16 seconds)

"You have to remember that the posted speed limits are for dry pavement and those posted limits may be hazardous when there's ice or snow on the road. If you lose control on ice or snow, you'll face a citation for driving too fast for conditions. And that will cost you $213 and four demerit points."

Cut 5: Maj. Dan Lonsdorf, State Patrol  (350 KB/21 seconds)

"The first snowfall always catches people unprepared because they've forgotten their winter driving skills. Snow means slow, so slow down and don't get overconfident in your driving skills, even if you have four-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive vehicles don't stop any quicker or maintain traction in curves any better than two-wheel drive vehicles."

Cut 6: Wrap with Lonsdorf  (743 KB/46 seconds)

It's time to dust off your winter driving skills. Winter is the prime time for crashes and cars in ditches. Wisconsin State Patrol Major Dan Lonsdorf says many crashes occur because motorists drive too fast for conditions.

"You have to remember that the posted speed limits are for dry pavement and those posted limits may be hazardous when there's ice or snow on the road. If you lose control on ice or snow, you'll face a citation for driving too fast for conditions. And that will cost you $213 and four demerit points."

Lonsdorf says snow means slow, so slow down and don't get overconfident in your driving skills, even if you have four-wheel drive. He said four-wheel drive vehicles don't stop any quicker or maintain traction in curves any better than two-wheel drive vehicles. This is Mike Goetzman reporting.

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Last modified: November 5, 2009