Hundreds of people were killed on Wisconsin roads in 2013. According to a report, 527 people died in accidents, but this was 12 percent lower than the 601 fatalities in 2012. Overall the number of crashes dropped by around 19,000.
Although these are preliminary numbers, the number of traffic fatalities in 2013 could be the lowest in 70 years. Although the number of cars on the road have drastically increased since World War II, the number of traffic fatalities are now dropping to WWII era numbers. The specific reason for the decline in 2013 isn't known, but experts say a few different variables could have helped.
In 2013, winter lasted much longer than usual in Wisconsin, making the motorcycle season shorter, and therefore reducing the number of deaths from motorcycle accidents. There were also fewer pedestrian accidents.
According to the report, accidents dropped significantly during the recession, likely because of fewer people traveling, but this is the first decrease since numbers climbed again in 2009.
Although the number of traffic fatalities might have reached a surprising low in 2013, many families still had to grieve the loss of their loved ones. Accidents that result in the loss of a family member can not only cause emotional hardship, but also major financial problems. Families might find themselves unable to pay for funeral expenses, and it could be difficult to pay for future expenses and meet financial goals. An attorney can help a family who loses a loved one safeguard their financial future.
Source: Journal Sentinel, "Highway deaths in Wisconsin hit 7-decade low in 2013," Lydia Mulvany, Jan. 2, 2014