With 44 deaths last month on Wisconsin roads, traffic fatalities in April were 19 more than in April 2014, which was an increase of 43 percent, according to preliminary statistics from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT).

Traffic fatalities last month also were six more than the five-year average for the month of April.

As of April 30, a total of 146 people have died in Wisconsin traffic crashes this year, including nine motorcyclists, 11 pedestrians and two bicyclists. Traffic deaths through April were 35 more than the same period in 2014 and 14 more than the five-year average.

“We are looking at crash data for insights that might help reverse this recent spike in traffic fatalities,” says David Pabst, director of the WisDOT Bureau of Transportation Safety. “Although there are many factors affecting the frequency and severity of crashes, a key to reducing traffic fatalities is consistent safety belt use by all drivers and passengers. To prevent deaths and serious injuries, hundreds of law enforcement agencies from all over Wisconsin will be out in force during the annual Click It or Ticket safety belt mobilization from May 18 to 31. Whenever officers observe unbuckled drivers and passengers, they will stop the vehicle and issue citations. Officers are serious about safety belt enforcement because lives are destroyed, families are devastated, and society suffers substantial economic losses when people are needlessly killed or seriously injured in crashes because they were not wearing a safety belt.”