WisDOT: April traffic fatalities up 43 percent compared with 2014

Traffic fatalities in April increased 43 percent compare with last year, according to preliminary statistics from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

There were 44 deaths on Wisconsin roads last month, which was 19 more than in April 2014, officials said. That number was also six more than the five-year average for the month of April.

“We are looking at crash data for insights that might help reverse this recent spike in traffic fatalities,” said David Pabst, director of the WisDOT Bureau of Transportation Safety. “Although there are many factors affecting the frequency and severity of crashes, a key to reducing traffic fatalities is consistent safety belt use by all drivers and passengers.”

As of April 30, 146 people had died in Wisconsin traffic crashes this year, including nine motorcyclists, 11 pedestrians and two bicyclists, officials said.

To prevent deaths and serious injuries, hundreds of law enforcement agencies from all over Wisconsin will be out in force during the annual Click It or Ticket safety belt mobilization May 18-31, according to the release.