2015 marks deadly year on Wisconsin roadways

2015 has turned out to be a very deadly year for Wisconsin drivers. More than 550 people died on state roadways this year. That’s about 60 more than 2014. In 2014 Wisconsin boasted its lowest number of road-related deaths in 71 year, with fewer than 500 fatalities.

“This year is significantly higher than last year,” said Wisconsin State Trooper Nate Henriksen.

Henriksen said it’s hard to tell exactly why there have been more deadly crashes. However, things like lower gas prices, more people out on the roads and drivers going above the new 70 mph speed limit are all possible factors. Henriksen said the best way to survive dangerous winter months is to be extra cautious.

“Prepare your vehicle, make sure your windows are cleared off so you can see traffic,” he said. “Make sure your headlights, taillights and stop lamps are cleared off so that other people can see you, allow yourself more time to travel and watch your following distance.”

Troopers said be especially careful driving on bridges. The cold air underneath bridge decks can make them colder than the rest of the roadway.

Things aren’t as bad as they’ve been in the past. In the early 2000s there wasn’t a single year with fewer than 600 road related-deaths.