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July 3, 2009
Primary seat belt enforcement is now the law in Wisconsin. That means if you're not buckled up, you can be stopped by a law enforcement officer for that violation alone. Previously, law enforcement could only cite motorists for not wearing a seat belt if they were stopped for another violation. Currently, only about 74% of Wisconsin motorists buckle up, which ranks the state 44 out of 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. That's well below the national average of 83%. Safety experts say that when states upgrade to primary enforcement their safety belt use rates increase about 10%. In Wisconsin, a 10% increase would save about 44 lives and prevent 650 injuries every year. *** Audio cuts

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A quick reminder for those who will be traveling during the July 4 holiday weekend: some road construction projects may affect your journey. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation notes that projects where lane closures or restrictions are in place include: Highway 41 at Fond du Lac, Highway 172 at Green Bay, I-43 just east of Beloit, I-90 near Tomah, and I-94 south of Kenosha, north of Tomah, south of Osseo, and west of Eau Claire. WisDOT suggests that if you'll be traveling in those areas, allow extra time. 

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June traffic crashes have claimed at least 59 lives according to preliminary data from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. That's four more than the number killed in June of last year but is seven less than the five-year average. Motorcyclist deaths continue to show increases, as at least 46 motorcyclists have died in crashes this year, compared with just 28 through June of last year. Through the first six months of the year, traffic crashes have claimed at least 247 lives. That's down 6 from this time last year and down 76 from the five-year average. 

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Adopt-a-highway crews and other nature lovers should be aware of a June-blooming plant that could cause them some severe discomfort. Wild parsnip is now blooming across the state. It looks very similar to Queen Anne's lace, but has a yellow flower. An invasive species, if the juices of a wild parsnip plant come into contact with skin in the presence of sunlight, a severe rash or blistering can occur. Adopt-a-highway crews are advised to always wear gloves and fully cover their skin when cleaning roadsides this time of year. *** Audio cuts

*** Online actualities on this story or call WisDOT's Radio Newsline at 1-800-443-6122.  Madison-area media can call (608) 267-9396.  

For more information contact:

Michael Goetzman, (608) 266-2520
michael.goetzman@dot.state.wi.us

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Last modified: July 2, 2009