May safest month for traffic deaths since World War II - WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |

Madison, WI (WXOW) - With 46 fatalities in 43 Wisconsin traffic crashes, last month was the safest month of May in terms of traffic deaths since World War II.

That's according to preliminary statistics from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT).

The deadliest May was in 1968 with 123 fatalities. Traffic fatalities last month also were four fewer than May 2011 and nine fewer than the five-year average for the month of May.

Six people died in traffic crashes during the Memorial Day weekend. Last year, seven people died during the holiday weekend.

As of May 31, a total of 203 people have died in 179 Wisconsin traffic crashes in 2012, including 22 motorcycle drivers, three motorcycle passengers, 13 pedestrians and one bicyclist. Traffic deaths through May were 25 more than during the same period in 2011 but four fewer than the five-year average.