For Antigo Times

A total of 45 people were killed in traffic crashes last month, according to preliminary statistics from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). Traffic fatalities last month were six fewer than November 2014 and two fewer than the five-year average for the month of November.

Last month also was the fourth safest month of November in terms of traffic deaths since World War II. The safest month of November since World War II occurred in 2012 with 36 traffic fatalities, and the deadliest was in 1973 with 110 fatalities.

Four people died in crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period from 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 25, to midnight on Sunday, November 29.

As of the end of November, 520 people have died in Wisconsin traffic crashes this year, including 75 motorcycle operators, four motorcycle passengers, 52 pedestrians and 15 bicyclists. Traffic deaths through November were 65 more than during the same period in 2014 and eight more than the five-year average.

“To prevent deaths and injuries during the upcoming holiday season, law enforcement agencies will be on the lookout for drunken drivers during the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign from December 18 to January 3,” says David Pabst, director of the WisDOT Bureau of Transportation Safety. “Drunken driving is entirely preventable, and we’re striving to attain zero preventable traffic deaths in Wisconsin. There’s no better time of year to make progress toward that goal than right now.”