Where Do Most Car Crashes Happen in Wisconsin?

According to data from the Federal Highway Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Wisconsin’s deadliest interstate is I-94, with a fatal crash rate of 0.2. While the fatality wreck rate for I-94 is low compared to other interstates in the US, the wrecks that do occur have a significant risk of being fatal.

Car wrecks can inflict devastating, lifelong consequences on the lives of accident victims and their families. If you were hurt in a crash or lost a loved one in a wreck, the car accident attorneys at Studinski Law, LLC can help. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial hardships you may be facing, and we are committed to helping you pursue the justice and compensation you need to move forward. 

2020 Crash Statistics by County

From quiet lakeside communities to bustling cities, Wisconsin offers residents and visitors a diverse range of landscapes. In addition to their own unique populations and personalities, Wisconsin counties also have different rates of traffic wrecks, injuries, and deaths.

According to recent data from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the following five counties have the highest rates of car accidents in Wisconsin:

1. Milwaukee County: 24,376
2. Dane County: 7,970
3. Waukesha County: 6,638
4. Racine County: 4,171
5. Kenosha County: 3,735

2020 Crash Statistics by Road Type

In its annual Final Year-End Crash Statistics report, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation breaks down traffic accident data by the types of roads on which collisions occurred. In 2020, these included:

1. Urban city street crashes: 44,516
2. Rural state highway crashes: 18,767
3. Urban state highway crashes: 14,792
4. County highway crashes: 11,439
5. Town road crashes: 9,551
6. Rural city street crashes: 5,513
7. Urban interstate crashes: 5,273
8. Rural interstate crashes: 4,846

Do Most Accidents Really Happen Closer to Home?

You may have already heard that most accidents happen close to home. The initial survey that popularized this idea was conducted by Progressive Insurance in 2001. According to the survey, which included 11,000 drivers, 52 percent of reported crashes occurred within five miles or less from home, and 77 percent occurred within fifteen miles or less from home.

Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that not only do more crashes happen closer to home, but they are also often more severe. This is because when drivers are traveling only a short distance, they are less likely to fasten their seat belts, making them more vulnerable to catastrophic injuries in the event of a collision.

One factor that contributes to near-home wrecks is familiarity. Drivers may be so familiar with the area near their homes that they go into “auto-drive” mode when commuting in their own neighborhoods.

Other factors that increase the risk of an accident near home include:

• Impaired driving: Some individuals are more likely to drive while impaired if they believe they only have a short distance to cover. Whether due to drugs or alcohol, impaired driving increases the risk of being involved in a serious accident.
• Unexpected hazards: When drivers “zone out” while driving in close proximity of their homes, they are less likely to react promptly to unexpected road hazards such as pedestrians, animals, or road conditions.
• Time of day: Whether due to familiarity, seat belt use, or drinking, night driving is linked to higher fatality rates. Nearly a third of all fatal car accidents happen between 6 p.m. and midnight.

How to Reduce the Risk of a Car Accident

The task of driving requires your full attention. Do not drive if you do not feel alert. This means that you should avoid driving if you are drowsy, have been drinking or taking prescription medication.

Other safety precautions include:

• Obey all speed limits and road signs.
• Avoid distractions, such as using a cell phone, eating, or fidgeting with on-dash controls.
• Check frequently for pedestrians or cyclists who may be difficult to see or not paying attention.

Even the most cautious and attentive drivers cannot control the actions of others on the road. Whether you are driving just a few blocks away or taking a long road trip, always buckle up. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that almost half of accident victims who died in car accidents were not wearing seat belts. 

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer In Wisconsin Today

If you’ve been hurt in a car crash, you need experienced, compassionate counsel on your side. At Studinski Law, LLC, our car accident lawyers are committed to helping injury victims pursue the full and fair compensation they need to get back on track. We aren’t intimidated by big insurance companies, and we won’t back down from a fight.

See our results.

Contact Studinski Law, LLC today online or at (715) 343-2850 to discuss your case for free. We serve clients throughout Wisconsin, including Plover and Marshfield.