MADISON - The number of people killed in highway crashes so far this year in Wisconsin is down significantly.
The state Department of Transportation reports 347 people have died in accidents - 55 fewer than at the same time a year ago. That's a 14 percent drop.
Locally, traffic fatalities are also down so far in 2009, compared to previous years.
Green County has had two fatalities so far this year.
One took place in May and the other took place Aug. 29, west of Monroe.
As of July 12, 2008, Green County had one traffic fatality. The county ended the year with two traffic fatalities.
In 2007, according to Green County Sheriff Randy Roderick, Green County had six fatalities. In 2006, the county had 13 fatalities.
Lafayette County has had three fatalities so far this year.
As of July 12, 2008, there were no traffic fatalities in the county. The county ended the year with four fatalities.
Compared with the five-year average of 475 traffic deaths by the end of August, the number of fatalities this year is down 27 percent.
DOT spokesman Steve Olson says traffic safety experts attribute the decline, in part, to reduced driving because of the poor economy.
Last year, traffic crashes on Wisconsin roads and highways killed 587 people - 150 fewer than in 2007 and the lowest total in 64 years.
- The Associated Press contributed to this article.
The state Department of Transportation reports 347 people have died in accidents - 55 fewer than at the same time a year ago. That's a 14 percent drop.
Locally, traffic fatalities are also down so far in 2009, compared to previous years.
Green County has had two fatalities so far this year.
One took place in May and the other took place Aug. 29, west of Monroe.
As of July 12, 2008, Green County had one traffic fatality. The county ended the year with two traffic fatalities.
In 2007, according to Green County Sheriff Randy Roderick, Green County had six fatalities. In 2006, the county had 13 fatalities.
Lafayette County has had three fatalities so far this year.
As of July 12, 2008, there were no traffic fatalities in the county. The county ended the year with four fatalities.
Compared with the five-year average of 475 traffic deaths by the end of August, the number of fatalities this year is down 27 percent.
DOT spokesman Steve Olson says traffic safety experts attribute the decline, in part, to reduced driving because of the poor economy.
Last year, traffic crashes on Wisconsin roads and highways killed 587 people - 150 fewer than in 2007 and the lowest total in 64 years.
- The Associated Press contributed to this article.