July SMART Results

August 13, 2008
Contact: Elise Schaffer, PIO Phone: (608) 284-6142 Email: schaffer@co.dane.wi.us
Sheriff's Office

The number of citations and warnings issued as part of the Dane County Sheriff’s Office “Drive SMART” program continues to rise. In July, a total of 297 citations and warnings were issued on Highway 12 & 18 between the town of Cottage Grove and Middleton. That’s 35 more than in the month of June and 15 more than July of last year. Officers worked a total of 220 hours of overtime in July as part of the grant funded by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Bureau of Traffic Safety. During that time, 154 speeding citations were issued and 14 people were arrested for Operating While Intoxicated. Other significant numbers include 28 citations for Operating After Revocation/Operating After Suspension, and 32 vehicle registration violations. Sixteen people were cited for not wearing their seatbelts. Officers also made one felony arrest and four warrant arrests. Thus far in 2008, there have been twenty deaths on Dane County roads. Speed, safety belts, and alcohol remain the most significant causes for traffic deaths and injuries. Sheriff David Mahoney reminds drivers throughout Dane County to slow down, buckle-up, and drive sober. Don’t let your next reminder start with lights and sirens and end with “This is your court date, drive safe.” ###