Deaths from Drivers Running Red Lights Increase 150 Percent in Wisconsin

AAA Wisconsin is trying to raise awareness about traffic safety as fatalities skyrocket in Wisconsin, outpacing a problem mirrored nationally.

1 minute read

September 13, 2019, 10:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Traffic Safety

David Tonelson / Shutterstock

"A new report is calling attention to a significant increase in the number of deaths related to drivers running red lights," reports Mary Kate McCoy.

"The report, released at the end of August, from AAA Wisconsin says that it marks a 10-year high in the state."

According to the report, the increase of red-light-related fatalities in Wisconsin rose faster than any other state in the nation.

In 2017, 939 people were killed in the United States in red light running crashes, a 22 percent increase of the average from 2008-2016.

In Wisconsin, there were 22 fatalities in 2017, a 150 percent increase over the 2008-2016 average.

Nick Jarmusz, director of public affairs for AAA-Wisconsin, is quoted in the article suggesting three practices for drivers to implement for improved safety on the roads and while approaching red lights.

Wednesday, September 11, 2019 in Wisconsin Public Radio

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Hot air balloons rise over Downtown Boise with the State Capitol building visible amidst the high rises.

The Five Most-Changed American Cities

A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.

April 23, 2025 - GoodMigrations

Sleeping in Public

Housing, Supportive Service Providers Brace for Federal Cuts

Organizations that provide housing assistance are tightening their purse strings and making plans for maintaining operations if federal funding dries up.

45 minutes ago - KSL

Conductor walks down platform next to Amtrak train at station in San Jose, California.

Op-Ed: Why an Effective Passenger Rail Network Needs Government Involvement

An outdated rail network that privileges freight won’t be fixed by privatizing Amtrak.

1 hour ago - Streetsblog USA

Aerial view of flooding during Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.

‘Quality Work, Fast’: NC Gears up for Homebuilding After Helene, Trying to Avoid Past Pitfalls

The state will field bids to demolish, repair and rebuild homes in the mountains. After struggles in eastern NC, officials aim to chart a different course.

2 hours ago - NC Newsline

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.