Traffic Deaths Down in June

June ended with 52 traffic deaths statewide, the second-lowest figure for June since WWII, state transportation officials said.

In Waukesha County, there have been four traffic deaths so far in 2011. Waukesha County averaged 24 deaths a year from 2006 to 2010, according to state Department of Transportation figures.

Statewide, there were 233 traffic fatalities through June 30, including 29 motorcycle drivers, three motorcycle passengers, and 22 pedestrians, the DOT reported. 

That 233 figure is 18 fewer than the same time period in 2010.

Randy Romanski of the state Bureau of Transportation Safety said, "A major reason for the reduction in traffic deaths so far this year is a significant decline in motorcycle crash fatalities."

By the end of June, there were 32 motorcylists’ deaths compared with 46 at the same time last year, a more than 30 percent decline.

The 52 traffic fatalities statewide in June represented the second safest June since 1946 when there were 45 traffic deaths, the DOT reported. The deadliest June on record was 1956 with 115 traffic deaths.