US Highway 151 Enforcement Results

August 25, 2008
Contact: Elise Schaffer, PIO Phone: (608) 284-6142 Email: schaffer@co.dane.wi.us
Sheriff's Office

From August 15th through August 24th, the Dane County Sheriff’s Office participated in an increased traffic enforcement effort on US Highway 151. The enforcement was organized by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation in response to increasing concerns about speeders on the highway. During the nine-day period, Dane County deputies handed out a total of 190 citations. Speeding was the number one violation with 129 drivers cited. In addition, 38 motorists were cited for no seatbelt. Speed and the lack of seatbelts are two of the top three contributors to traffic fatalities, with drunk driving being the third. With the results of these enforcement efforts that stretched from Fond du Lac to the Iowa state line, state officials will determine if additional dollars need to be put towards enforcement and other traffic safety measures on US Highway 151. Traffic fatalities in Dane County and the state are down from last year, however increased awareness is crucial to see that trend continue. In a similar project, the Sheriff’s Office “Drive SMART” enforcement continues on US Highway 12 & 18 between Cottage Grove and Middleton. Sheriff David Mahoney reminds motorists to “Drive SMART”…Sober, Moderate Speed, Alert, Restrained, and Thoughtful. ###