Safety - Traffic Fatalities - WisDOT MAPSS Performance Improvement Program

WisDOT MAPSS - Safety - Traffic Fatalities - Moving toward minimizing the number of deaths, injuries and crashes on our roadways.

Any traffic death on Wisconsin's roadways is one too many. Our goal is to reduce the number of traffic fatalities by 2% each year from the prior five-year rolling average (a lower number is better).

• A lower number is better for this measure. 
• Calendar Year - Current year data is year-to-date.
• Unknown - Unknown is used on the crash report when the investigating officer on scene is unable to determine with available evidence who was the driver or passenger of a vehicle due to individuals being tossed around inside the vehicle or ejected from it.

In 2022, 595 persons were killed in traffic crashes on Wisconsin roadways. Understanding where these fatalities occurred can aid us in trying to prevent them.

Traffic crashes are avoidable events caused by such factors as human behavior, vehicle condition and environmental surroundings. Weather can also have a seasonal impact, especially on motorcycle- or bicycle-related fatalities. The largest factor and most difficult to change is the risk-taking behavior of drivers and the tolerance of the public toward risky behavior.

WisDOT uses a combined strategy of road design, education, enforcement and emergency response to prevent traffic fatalities, including designing safer roads and maintaining highway infrastructure. The department expanded the use of multi-jurisdictional High Visibility Enforcement task forces around the state to address impaired driving, speed, pedestrian safety and safety belt use. Speed and aggressive driving are targeted through increased use of aerial enforcement in partnership with law enforcement agencies across the state. WisDOT provides ongoing educational outreach to high school students to promote safe driving, use of safety belts and eliminating driving distractions. Centerline and shoulder rumble strips have been installed along with other roadway improvements in corridors with safety concerns.