MONROE - There might actually be a silver lining to high gas prices - fewer traffic fatalities.
The number of Wisconsin traffic deaths this year is the lowest at this point since World War II. One state official says factors include fewer people on the road and more seatbelt use.
Dennis Hughes conducts analyses for the state DOT. He says there have been 248 fatalities in 2008, compared with 338 fatalities at this time last year.
Green County has followed the state-wide trend.
There has been one traffic fatality in Green County this year, according to Sheriff Randy Roderick. The fatality occurred on Wisconsin 11 about a half mile east of Ullom Road March 23.
There were four traffic fatalities in Green County by July 1, 2007. The county ended the year with six fatalities.
Hughes said that July is typically the deadliest month on state highways.
Hughes says this year's severe winter also kept people off the roads.
Roderick added that recent severe rains may have also helped to keep fatality numbers down.
Lafayette County has not had any traffic fatalities in 2008. The county had one fatality from January to June 2007, and two total last year.
Wisconsin AAA predicts 1.3 percent less travel for this week's holiday compared to the same week last year.
- The Associated Press contributed to this story.
The number of Wisconsin traffic deaths this year is the lowest at this point since World War II. One state official says factors include fewer people on the road and more seatbelt use.
Dennis Hughes conducts analyses for the state DOT. He says there have been 248 fatalities in 2008, compared with 338 fatalities at this time last year.
Green County has followed the state-wide trend.
There has been one traffic fatality in Green County this year, according to Sheriff Randy Roderick. The fatality occurred on Wisconsin 11 about a half mile east of Ullom Road March 23.
There were four traffic fatalities in Green County by July 1, 2007. The county ended the year with six fatalities.
Hughes said that July is typically the deadliest month on state highways.
Hughes says this year's severe winter also kept people off the roads.
Roderick added that recent severe rains may have also helped to keep fatality numbers down.
Lafayette County has not had any traffic fatalities in 2008. The county had one fatality from January to June 2007, and two total last year.
Wisconsin AAA predicts 1.3 percent less travel for this week's holiday compared to the same week last year.
- The Associated Press contributed to this story.