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What can I do?

In Wisconsin, someone is killed or injured in a traffic crash every 15 minutes. Since most crashes are caused by driver behavior, you can help attain zero preventable traffic deaths by making responsible decisions. Here are some simple things that we can do every time we get behind the wheel:

• Don’t speed - Reducing your speed greatly improves your ability to maintain control of your vehicle and gives you more time and distance to avoid a collision especially in bad weather or road conditions. If you cannot avoid a collision, vehicle speed at impact determines the violence of the crash.
• Never drive while impaired - Alcohol, drugs (including some prescription medications) and drowsiness diminish your reaction time and judgment. When you’re behind the wheel of a lethal weapon, you need to be alert and ready to react safely.
• Eliminate distractions - Using a cell phone, eating, or any other distracting activity while driving is risky. Driving is the most dangerous thing most of us do, and it needs our undivided attention.
• Buckle up - Protect yourself and your passengers by buckling up—every trip, every time. A safety belt is the best possible safeguard against being ejected from a vehicle or thrown around violently inside it in case of a crash.

Parents and adults should set a good example for children and teenagers, who learn driving behavior—both good and bad—when they’re young. Traffic crashes are the leading killer of young people in Wisconsin and the rest of the nation.

Drivers and passengers in cars and trucks are not the only ones killed or injured in traffic crashes. In 2008, approximately 90 motorcyclists, 53 pedestrians and 9 bicyclists were killed in crashes. Motorcyclists need to obey all traffic laws, such as speed limits, and must never ride while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Motorcycle riders also need to protect themselves by using the proper safetyequipment and clothing. Other drivers need to share the road and watch for motorcycles. Pedestrians need to obey traffic signals and keep an eye on vehicles around them. They also must be conspicuous, so motorists can see them especially at night. By Wisconsin law, drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing roadways at intersections or crosswalks. Bicyclists need to pay attention to traffic and obey traffic laws, such as stopping completely at red lights and stop signs. Bicycles are an increasingly popular form of transportation, so motorists need to share the road.

Questions about the content of this page:
Steve Olson, steve.olson@dot.wi.gov
Last modified: February 24, 2009