Sheriff’s Office Receives Valuable Equipment from AAA Wisconsin

June 30, 2008
Contact: Elise Schaffer, PIO Phone: (608) 284-6142 Email: schaffer@co.dane.wi.us
Sheriff's Office

At a press conference on Tuesday, July 1st at 2:00 pm at the Dane County Sheriff’s Office West Precinct (7555 Old Sauk Road), Sheriff David Mahoney and Pam Moen from AAA Wisconsin, will unveil two new pieces of equipment donated to the Sheriff’s Office by AAA Wisconsin. Earlier this year, AAA donated a speed board valued at approximately $6,500.00. The AAA speed board is being utilized throughout Dane County to remind drivers to obey the posted speed limits. The system employs radar, sending a signal to the vehicle and then transmits radio waves to the board, allowing it to display the vehicle’s speed. The boards are used to urge voluntary compliance by raising driver awareness, and at times may be used in conjunction with enforcement efforts. AAA also donated a rollover simulator, which will be used to teach the importance of seatbelt use. The rollover simulates the devastation that can occur when a driver loses control and the occupants of the vehicle are not wearing their seatbelts. The visual of bodies flying out of the simulated vehicle can be a striking reminder of the importance of wearing a seatbelt every time you get into a motor vehicle. Currently, Wisconsin’s seatbelt usage is at an all time high of 75%, however more work needs to be done in order to meet the national average of 82%. The rollover simulator is valued at approximately $10,000.00 and will be available for display at events throughout Dane County. Electronic speed boards are available at each of the Sheriff’s Office Precincts and can be placed in areas where citizens believe excessive speed is a problem. To request a speed board in your neighborhood, call your nearest precinct or your town hall. ###