Motor vehicle accidents can happen on any road at any time in Wisconsin. However, certain roadways provide a greater likelihood of tragic outcomes.
Data compiled by the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) reveal that I-95 is the state’s deadliest road. While you might not be able to avoid interstate or other common hot spots for accidents in Wisconsin, awareness can help you avoid a crash. Car accidents have the potential to upend lives in a fraction of a second, causing serious injuries that alter a person’s existence as well as fatalities that rip loved ones away. Read on to learn where most vehicle accidents happen in Wisconsin and how you can protect yourself if you are
injured in a car accident.
2021 Crash Statistics by Counties in Wisconsin
The 2021 Wisconsin Traffic Crash Facts provide the most recent details on
crash statistics by county for the state. In terms of injury crashes, Brown had 888, Kenosha had 1,051, Racine had 1,114, Waukesha had 1,447, Dane had 1,812, and Milwaukee had the most reported injury crashes at 6,459.
Digging deeper, in these counties, persons injured in these accidents were 1,179 for Brown, 2,354 for Dane, 1,487 for Kenosha, 1,569 for Racine, 1,966 for Waukesha, and 9,037 for Milwaukee County. Throughout the state, 36,647 crashes occurred at intersections while 76,349 occurred at points that were not intersections, such as on highways.
As for fatal crashes, 87 people were killed in Milwaukee County in motor vehicle accidents. In Dane County, 47 people lost their lives, while in Rock County, 31 people died in
car accidents. These statistics aren’t meant to frighten you, but rather, help you
understand the importance of paying attention and being diligent on the road. Following traffic laws and staying sober will give you a greater chance of avoiding catastrophe.
Dangerous Roads in Wisconsin
Where should you be more aware when driving through the state? There are several key points that result in deadly crashes, and greater care is needed when traversing these stretches of road.
I-94 in Milwaukee
I-94 in Milwaukee near the exits of 305A and 310B caused some of the deadliest crashes. At exit 305A, there is a freeway interchange, and it is believed that this confusing infrastructure may contribute to higher crash rates. Additionally, the highly populated area right off exit 310B, which links to SR-100, increases the likelihood of motor vehicle accidents due to the higher traffic volume.
SR-190 in Milwaukee
Another spot in Milwaukee poses greater dangers for drivers on State Route 190 between the exits that connect to State Route 100 and West Hopkins Street. Both of these spots are busier areas, and higher traffic volume may be factors that lead to more fatal crashes.
US-51 in Madison
In Madison, US-51 between the exits that connect to SR-30 and Anderson Road is a deadly spot. There is an interchange between the two roadways for one and a connection to the airport and college for the other. The increase in fatal accidents in this span is likely due to the interchange, as well as inexperienced younger drivers and those traveling to and from the airport.
I-90 in Janesville
Janesville in Rock County has a deadly span of around 5 miles between exit 171B and 177 as it crosses over SR-14 and SR-26. With an interchange and several large stores off the road, drivers who aren’t paying attention may swerve, while others make poor decisions that cost them their lives.
Factors That Contribute to Wisconsin Accidents
What causes these motor vehicle accidents to happen in Wisconsin? There are a variety of causes behind these tragedies on the road:
Weather
Wisconsin sees its fair share of icy, snowy weather, and drivers need to adjust accordingly to stay safe. Unfortunately, many do not, which leads to an uptick in crashes.
False Sense of Comfort
One of the greatest concerns throughout the state is that Wisconsinites have a false sense of security when they are closer to home. Some may not put their seatbelts on when they’re just running to the corner store or around the corner, and when they do, they’re more likely to suffer severe injuries or fatalities in a crash. Others may buckle up, though, while on the familiar turf of their own neighborhoods, they may zone out and fail to pay proper attention until it’s too late.
Impaired Driving
Drunk driving accidents are a problem across the country. In Wisconsin, many drivers may take on a few too many and then decide that they’ll be fine to get back home since “it’s only a few blocks.” No matter how short the distance is, anyone who has been drinking should never drive.
Time of Day
Night driving sees more accidents than during daylight hours. Experts believe it to be partly due to the lower visibility that comes from the setting sun and darkness. Most accidents happen in the evening and late at night, and while some will involve intoxicated drivers, others may involve drowsy drivers or those who cannot see a hazard until it’s too late.
Hazards on the Road
To that end, many motor vehicle accidents will happen when an animal runs out into the street or onto poorly maintained roads. Potholes can cause a driver to lose control, while a lack of proper lighting and signage at night can make it difficult for even the most responsible of drivers to navigate the roads safely.
How to Reduce Your Risk of a Car Accident in Wisconsin
While some roads have a reputation for being more deadly in certain areas, such as intersections, interchanges, and highways, increase the risk, there are things you can do to protect yourself.
Pay Attention
Driving is a task that requires full and proper focus, and failing to do so could lead to an accident. You should never text while driving, though other seemingly benign actions could also cause you to crash.
Looking up directions on GPS, rummaging through your bag, changing your music on the stereo, talking to your passengers, or even munching on a few fries from your takeout meal all have the potential to cause you to take your eyes off the road, your hands off the steering wheel, and your attention from driving safely.
Stay Alert and Sober
Not all drivers who crash are drunk or on drugs. Some may have
worked long hours or have other stressors in life that are causing them to lose sleep. If you’re not alert, you should not drive. Drowsy driving can slow your reactions as much as driving while intoxicated, and it’s best to get your rest first before carrying on with the drive.
As for getting behind the wheel while intoxicated, there is no excuse with the plentiful rideshare options available. Arrange for a sober ride, and don’t forget that taking prescription medications that your doctor has prescribed to you can cause you to crash if drowsiness is a side effect.
Obey Traffic Laws
Speed limits are posted for a reason, and that’s to keep everyone safe. Speeding, running stop signs or traffic signals, or violating other traffic laws can land you in hot water with the police. You will be more likely to avoid an accident if you abide by the laws. If you are in an accident, you’ll be less likely to be blamed if you were the one obeying traffic laws, too.
Keep Your Car Maintained
Your brakes, tires, and other vehicle features should be maintained. Make sure you keep up with what your vehicle needs. Underinflated tires, as well as overinflated tires, can cause you to lose control, while shoddy brakes will make it impossible to stop in time.
Be Aware of Vulnerable Road Users
Especially in neighborhoods and at intersections, watch for pedestrians and cyclists. They are more difficult to spot, as are motorcyclists. These people may not be paying attention, though you must watch out for them to avoid a collision.
Wear Your Seat Belt
No matter how many years of experience you have behind the wheel or how safely you drive, the negligent actions of others can lead to an accident. You will have a greater chance of survival and a lower likelihood of serious injuries if you remember to buckle up.
Don’t let the excuse of “It’s just around the corner” lull you into a false sense of security. A deadly crash can happen even just down the street from your house or on a long road trip. When you secure your seat belt, you’ll be doing your part to protect yourself.
What to Do If You Get into a Wisconsin Car Crash?
Even if you were doing everything right, you may find yourself the victim of motor vehicle accidents in Wisconsin. Calling the police, getting medical care, and taking photos of the aftermath can all help you in the days and weeks that follow. When you go to file an injury claim, make sure you talk to an attorney first to ensure you get the full amount you deserve.
Image by Rico Löb; Pixabay
