News

WisDOT Radio Newsline

May 18, 2012
To motivate all motorists to wear a safety belt, some 400 law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin will participate in the annual "Click it or Ticket" safety belt enforcement campaign between May 21 and June 3. State and local law enforcement officials will patrol in greater numbers and for longer hours keeping a sharp eye out for unbuckled motorists. The goal however is not simply to write more tickets, but to encourage all drivers and passengers to make the life-saving decision to wear a safety belt. Wisconsin traffic deaths are up compared to last year, and traffic safety officials say many people would have likely survived had they simply buckled up. *** audio

-0-

If gas prices have got you down, you may want to check up on ride-sharing opportunities. Wisconsin’s RIDESHARE program can connect commuters across the state interested in car or van pooling, or to find "bike-buddies" to get to and from work. The RIDESHARE program also offers high-tech features like "Mobile Commute Reporting" that allows participants to track their environmental and financial savings. Integrating RIDESHARE with social networking tools like Facebook can also help people find an appropriate commuting match.

-0-

With a major election in Wisconsin set for June 5, campaign signs are appearing everywhere — and unfortunately — they’re sometimes placed in locations where they are illegal, pose a public safety concern, and need to be removed. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is reminding citizens that all signs — including political, commercial or garage sale signs — are not allowed within highway right-of-way and may be removed by road maintenance crews. Signs are also not allowed between a street and side walk in urban areas, within roundabouts or in medians on divided roadways. Political signs are permitted on private property as long as they do not exceed 32 square feet and contain no flashing lights or moving parts. *** audio

-0-

In an average year in Wisconsin, crashes with motor vehicles kill about 50 pedestrians and injure over 1,300 more. State law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians at intersections and crosswalks, and when crossing a sidewalk to enter an alley or driveway. It’s also illegal to pass a vehicle that has stopped for pedestrians at an intersection or crosswalk. Pedestrians can do their part by limiting use of potentially-distracting electronic devices and never move suddenly into a vehicle’s path.

For more information contact: Rob Miller, WisDOT Office of Public Affairs
(608) 266-2405, robert.miller@dot.wi.gov

Return to top

Questions about the content of this page:
Office of Public Affairs, opa.exec@dot.state.wi.us 
Last modified:May 17, 2012