The Dodge County Sheriff

Even without the Packers there will be plenty of viewers enjoying the game and watching 30 second beer commercials costing between $2.5 -3 million. Dodge County Highway Safety Coordinator Bob Sell, states that a nation wide estimated 51 million cases of beer will be sold and consumed in the week surrounding Super Bowl Sunday and no doubt law enforcement will also be involved with some domestic and traffic issues before, during and after the game.

The retired sheriff’s department captain recalls a fatal crash that occurred when, during a super bowl halftime an intoxicated driver left one party and drove toward a second party when his vehicle left the roadway and crashed.

Sell added that whether it’s a friendly watering hole or a house party, don’t get caught up in all the super bowl hype and don’t let friends drive drunk.

TIPS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS

Week of Jan 23, 2012
GIVE SNOWPLOWS ROOM

Dodge County motorists today are warned that following a snowplow too closely is not only illegal but also it’s dangerous and may hamper efforts to restore a vital public service.

Bob Sell, Dodge County Highway Safety Coordinator, said that our latest wet snow, winds and the cold weather that follows, will keep village, township, city and county road maintenance crews very busy. The plow drivers make every effort to expedite snow removal so that highways may be kept open for safe travel. Drivers should remember that when a heavy snowstorm hits, the snowplow operators might well have to stay on the job around the clock until the roads are cleared. “However, motorists should do their part by staying off the road when weather conditions are bad and avoiding interference with cleanup efforts. It’s understandable that plowing crews don’t feel kindly toward drivers who end up stalled and blocking plowing operations,” he added.

Sell states it’s vital for motorists to remain a safe distance behind a snowplow for their own safety. “Plows throw up a swirl of snow, which may limit the plow operator’s vision, and may blind drivers of cars following too closely. When clearing and salting an intersection plows frequently have to back up and operators may not see a car, particularly a compact or subcompact snuggled under the plow’s tailgate.”

Sell added that snowplows are wide. They often need to operate very close to the center line. Sometimes they throw up clouds of snow, which could affect your vision. Slow down and give them as much room as possible. The law requires that on roads with a posted speed limit of more than 35 m.p.h. drivers are to stay at least 200 feet behind a snowplow when its red or amber lights are on and 75 feet upon any highway having a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less.

Week of Dec 26, 2011
WINTER DRIVING SAFETY TIPS

Dodge County Highway Safety Coordination Bob Sell advises that each year about 30 snowstorms drop about 50 inches on snow in Wisconsin. Winter driving calls for special techniques. Sell offers the following Winter Driving Tips taken from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation “Motorists’ Handbook”:

FIRST IS WORST. In the first storm of the season, most drivers have forgotten their safe winter driving skills. They’ll drive too fast and try to stop too quickly. Go slow. Increase following distances. Drive defensively. Relearn your skills.

GO SLOW. Drive well below the posted speed limit. Posted limits are intended for summer months on dry pavement. Avoid sudden, sharp turns. Use light braking by gently pumping the brakes.

PLAN AHEAD. Plan on trips taking extra time. Leave earlier. Consider an alternate route. STAY HOME if conditions are too bad.

USE YOUR HEAD, USE YOUR FEET. Never use cruise control on slippery roads.

LIGHTEN UP. Turn on your headlights. To prevent glare, avoid using your high beams during a night storm.

WEAR YOUR SEATBELTS.

GIVE SNOW PLOWS ROOM. Snowplows are wide. They often need to operate very close to the center line. Sometimes they throw up clouds of snow, which affects your vision. Slow down and give them as much room as possible. On roads with a posted speed limit more than 35 m.p.h. or more, the law requires drivers to stay at least 200 feet behind a snowplow when its red or amber lights are on and 75 feet behind with a posted speed of 35 m.p.h. or less.

Week of Dec 19, 2011
Dodge County Traffic Safety Commission Set Meeting Jan 9, 2012

Any Wisconsin resident, who observes an unsafe condition on local, county or state roads, can bring the problem to the attention of the proper authorities, according to Bob Sell, Dodge County Highway Safety Coordinator.

“The forum for citizens to use is their local law enforcement or highway agency as the first step,” Sell explained. “Describe the nature of the problem, and ask that it be discussed at the next commission meeting.” He said. “It is not always necessary that the individual appear before the commission, but it would be helpful to commission members to know the exact nature of the problem and how it affects the safety of other motorists,” he added.

In the event of a missing highway sign, particularly a stop sign or railroad crossing marker, the problem should be presented immediately to the agency having jurisdiction over the highway, or to the County Sheriff’s Department or State Patrol. “If the situation is serious, temporary signs may be erected to warn drivers in the interim until a permanent replacement can be installed.” Sell said.

Wisconsin has a Traffic Safety Commission in each county and a Traffic Safety Coordinator whose duties include the design of safety counter measure programs. The next regularly scheduled Traffic Safety Commission meeting is JANUARY 9, 2012 at 09:30 A.M. The meeting is open to the public and will be held at the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department training room, 124 West Street Juneau, Wi 53039.

For additional information call Dep. Coordinator, Lt. Trace Frost at the Sheriff’s Department, (920/386-3726)

Week of Dec 12, 2011
LETTING OTHER DRIVERS SEE YOU

When was the last time you checked if your headlights, directional, stop and tail lights were operating correctly?

Crashes often happen because one driver does not see another driver or when one driver does something another driver does not expect. It’s important for you to let other road users know you are there and what you plan to do. Dodge County Highway Safety Coordinator Bob Sell, states that some drivers do not always pay attention to what is going on around them and that it’s important for other road users to know you are there.

Sell added that besides helping you see at night headlights help other drivers and pedestrians see you at any time of the day. If you have trouble seeing them, they will have trouble seeing you. On rainy, snowy or foggy days, headlights are a must to make your vehicle easier to see. If you don’t drive all the time with your headlights on, which he suggests, then turn them on when it begins to get dark even if you turn them on a little early. When driving during a rising or setting sun, your headlights help other drivers see you because of the glare

Sell said that as part of your refueling procedure, check and clean your vehicle head and tail lights clearing dirt, snow, ice and road salt from the lenses.

Week of Dec 5, 2011
CHRISTMAS PARTIES, ALCOHOL AND DRIVING

Bob Sell, Dodge County Highway Safety Coordinator urges company and home party givers to be responsible hosts and hostesses. You don’t do your guests a favor when you insist they have another drink, or when you allow them to get behind the wheel of a car drunk.

Timing is extremely important when serving drinks. The caring party giver knows that under normal conditions and circumstances the body can absorb about one drink of alcohol an hour. Don’t insist upon another drink as soon as you notice that a guest’s glass is empty and keep plenty of soft drinks and other non-alcoholic beverages on hand. He notes that food can serve as a cushion in the stomach against the rapid absorption of alcohol. The fat content in the appetizer has the effect of slowing absorption but does not decrease the amount of alcohol in the body. Plan the appetizers with the safety of the guests in mind. High protein foods, such as cheese and meat, are especially recommended because they stay in the stomach longer.

Sell added that a 1^st conviction of drunk driving can result in a fine totaling $817.50 and 6 driving points and an alcohol assessment of $365.00. He added that the ultimate gift that you can give your holiday guests is to insure their safety and well being by giving them an opportunity to survive in traffic after the party is over. “How your guests return to their homes after your party can depend on your being a caring host or hostess.” He concluded that friends don’t let friends drive drunk.

Currently Dodge County has 8 traffic fatalities, compared to 7 last year at this time.

Week of Nov 28, 2011
WATCH FOR CHANGING ROAD AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

It’s important to remember how fast our weather and road conditions can change without notice. According to Bob Sell, Dodge County Highway Safety Coordinator, November has been kind to most Wisconsin drivers with dry roads and mild temperatures. December may bring about real changes in our weather and driving we need to be aware of. With our morning temperatures at or near freezing only a light drizzle of rain can cause ice to form on our bridge decks and over-passes without notice. As ground and pavements cool we can also expect intersections to be glazed from freezing precipitation. Sell added that if your windshield needs scraping you can expect the roads may have some slipper spots.

Week of Nov 13, 2011
DEER SEASON DRIVING

During the nine day deer season November 19^th thru the 27^th motorist can expect to see vehicles parked on the shoulders and in field driveways with blaze orange clad hunters milling around the vehicles. Be alert for these pedestrians and vehicles pulling out from the shoulder and vehicles backing or driving out of a field driveway onto the roadway. Dodge County Highway Safety Coordinator Sell said that low light and bad weather conditions add to the need for alert driving for hunters and passing motorists.

Many hunters will travel several hundred miles this week and will encounter many vehicles packed with blaze orange clothing also heading to their favorite hunting locations. They may encounter some reduced speeds or back ups do traffic volume. Sell advises to obey the speed limits, drive defensively, avoid fatigue, buckle up, slow down, watch for changing weather and road conditions and don’t mix alcohol with your hunt or driving.

Week of Oct 31, 2011
STATE LAW REQUIRES CLEAR AND CLEAN WINDSHIELDS

Bob Sell, Dodge County Highway Safety Coordinator, said that law enforcement officers frequently encounter motorists attempting to drive with only a small peep hole cleared through the ice and snow on their windshield or with windows fogged up on the inside and their vision obscured. A citation and conviction for not keeping windows of motor vehicles reasonably clean and their vision unobstructed could cost $175.30 and 2 points on the driving record.

If fogging or icing occurs while driving, the driver should safely pull off the road and stop to clear the window. Under such adverse conditions the driver should also use headlights on low beam to help other drivers see them. Under these circumstances, a law enforcement officer may issue the violator a citation, require him/her to scrape their windows, or sit by the roadside until the vehicle’s defrosters clear the windshield.

A good ice scraper with a long handle and a snow brush is invaluable to help reach ice and snow on center portions of windshields and rear windows. Sell added that if you don’t have a garage, an old sheet or blanket over the windshield can save some scraping.

Dodge County Traffic Safety Coordinator Robert Sell states that in 2010 thirteen of the fourteen people killed in Wisconsin vehicle/deer crashes involved motorcycles. Dodge County had no fatalities in the 288 reported vehicle/deer crashes in 2010.

The months of October and November accounted for 39% of the 16,947 reported vehicle/deer crashes in 2010 on Wisconsin highways. This total is up from the 16,821 reported in 2009. The DNR reports that less than half of the vehicles vs. deer crashes are ever reported and that over 28,000 carcasses were removed from highways during the last fiscal year.

Sell notes that in 2010 the top three Wisconsin counties for vehicle deer crashes were Dane 854 followed by Shawano 719 and Waukesha at 687. In two Wisconsin counties, motor vehicle-deer crashes outnumbered non-deer crashes. In Green Lake and Shawano Counties, more than half of all police-reported crashes involved deer in 2010.

He added that so far in 2011 Dodge County had 183 vehicle/deer reportable crashes and reminds motorist that daylight saving time will end November 6th and our hours of darkness will increase during the peak of the rut.

Any Wisconsin resident, who observes an unsafe condition on local, county or state roads, can bring the problem to the attention of the proper authorities, according to Bob Sell, Dodge County Highway Safety Coordinator.

“The forum for citizens to use is their local law enforcement or highway agency as the first step,” Sell explained. “Describe the nature of the problem, and ask that it be discussed at the next commission meeting.” He said. “It is not always necessary that the individual appear before the commission, but it would be helpful to commission members to know the exact nature of the problem and how it affects the safety of other motorists,” he added.

In the event of a missing highway sign, particularly a stop sign or railroad crossing marker, the problem should be presented immediately to the agency having jurisdiction over the highway, or to the County Sheriff’s Department or State Patrol. “If the situation is serious, temporary signs may be erected to warn drivers in the interim until a permanent replacement can be installed.” Sell said.

Wisconsin has a Traffic Safety Commission in each county and a Traffic Safety Coordinator whose duties include the design of safety counter measure programs. The next regularly scheduled Traffic Safety Commission meeting is OCTOBER 10, 2011 at 09:30 A.M. The meeting is open to the public and will be held at the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department training room, 124 West Street Juneau, Wi 53039

For additional information call Dep. Coordinator, Lt. Trace Frost at the Sheriff’s Department, (920/386-3726)

During the fall and winter months, sunrise and sunset times change so that many motorists are driving both to and from work during hours of darkness. Robert Sell, Dodge County Highway Safety Coordinator said “Drivers should be using their headlights during this time to comply with the law and to be able to see and be seen.”

Sell notes that the law specifies the use of headlights during “hours of darkness” and at all times when natural light is insufficient to render objects clearly visible. This includes periods of rain, snow, sleet or fog or other conditions, which reduce natural light. He said the deciding factor as to when to turn on your headlights should not be a clock, but a concern for safety. Headlights cost nothing to operate when the engine is running, but contribute substantially to safety. Even if your headlights do not appear to be needed to help you see they help other drivers see you and avoid accidents.

The Highway Safety Coordinator added that parking, running or fog lights are not a replacement or substitute for headlights when they are required.

WHEN YOU SEE A SCHOOL BUS, WATCH FOR KIDS. School days are here once more, and with them are the familiar yellow school buses shuttling students to and from their schools starting on September 1^st.

Robert Sell, Dodge County Highway Safety Coordinator and the Dodge County Traffic Safety Commission cautions motorists that Wisconsin’s school bus law is designed to protect school children as they cross the road to get on or off the bus.

Sell said the operator of a motor vehicle must stop not less than 20 feet from the front or rear of a school bus which has stopped and is displaying flashing red warning lights. The motorist must remain stopped until the bus resumes motion or the operator turns off the flashing red warning lights. He noted that a conviction of failure to stop for a school bus have a forfeit of $326.50 and four demerit points assessed against a driver’s record. The penalties can be much more severe if bodily injury or death occurs.

Sell said that children have a tendency to take for granted that drivers see them and may not take the necessary precautions when a vehicle approaches. He said parents should take the time to teach their children to walk facing traffic, as the law requires, so they can step out of the way if danger threatens. He noted that motorists are urged to drive with special care on rural roads in early morning and afternoon hours when foggy conditions and driving into the sun’s glare require extra care as school children are walking to and from their school bus stops.

Sell added that the investigation of school bus complaints has been and will remain a priority with the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department.

Dodge County Highway Safety Coordinator, Robert Sell offers information from the Wisconsin Motorists’ Handbook about drinking and driving.

The best advice is do not drive if you drink alcohol. Even one drink of alcohol can affect your driving. With two or more drinks in you bloodstream, you are impaired and could be arrested.

An alcohol “drink” is one and a half ounces (one shot glass) of 80 –proof liquor, straight or with a mixer, 12 ounces (a regular size can, bottle, mug or glass) of beer or a 5 ounce glass of wine. Specialty drinks can have more alcohol in them and may be the same as having several 5-ounce normal drinks.

For the average adult, it may take up to two hours for your body to get rid of each drink. There is no way to quickly sober up. Coffee, fresh air, exercise or cold showers will not help. Time is the only thing that will sober you up.

There are ways of dealing with social drinking situations. Arrange to go with two or more people. Agree ahead of time which one of you will not drink alcohol. You can rotate among the group being the “designated driver”. Otherwise, use public transportation or a cab, if available.

There are ways to slow down the effects of drinking alcohol. The best way is to increase the amount of time between drinks. Another way is to eat before and while you are drinking. Food slows down how fast alcohol gets into your body. Starchy foods like potato chips, pretzels, bread and crackers are best. Remember, food only slows when the alcohol gets into your body, it will not keep you from getting drunk.

Sell adds that more than 32,000 people were convicted of drunk driving in 2010 on Wisconsin roads of which about 63% for the first time. The Dodge County had 543 convictions in 2010; 302 for 1^st convictions, 138 -2^nd, 54 -3rd, 22- 4^th, 12- 5^th, 12 -6^th, 2 -7^th and one for an 8^{th time.}

Bob Sell, Dodge County Highway Safety Coordinator and the Dodge County Traffic Safety Commission note that it is easy to become distracted while driving by day dreaming; eating, looking off the road; passenger distractions; pets on drivers lap and use of the cell/texting phone.

One of nine fatal Dodge County crashes last year the use of a cell phone/texting was a contributing circumstance at the time of the crash. He added that a Virginia Tech study reported that use of a cell phone while driving increases the risk of a crash by four times and by 8 to 23 times while texting. The study also showed that hands free phones didn’t reduce the crash risk.

Sell said not giving our full attention to our driving, could result in serious consequences. We could strike a pedestrian, leave the roadway, not notice a hazard or danger, miss important traffic signs/signals or drift left of center. Anything that takes our attention away from driving can lead us to make a poor choice while driving. Our concentration should be completely on our driving and what is around and ahead of our vehicle.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation awarded a Child Safety Seat grant to the Dodge County Human Services and Health Department. The grant’s Project Coordinator, Gretchen Klug, RN,BSN states that “Our goal is to provide families in Dodge County with needed car seats, education, seat usage and child passenger safety laws to increase child passenger safety here in Dodge County”.

Families must reside in Dodge County and be eligible or participants in the WIC Program to receive a car seat. Dodge County Highway Safety Coordinator Bob Sell and the Dodge County Traffic Safety Commission urges families to contact Project Coordinator, Gretchen Klug at 920/386-3678 or gklug@co.dodge.wi.us for more details.

Dodge County Highway Safety Coordinator, Robert Sell stated that, alcohol clouds drivers judgment and that even with the high cost of fines, insurance and possible jail time, some drivers still haven’t realized the devastating impact they can cause to themselves and others. It’s the morning after when the life changing impact of their actions starts to set in for them. This is also the same time when the innocent family members reach the full reality that a father, mother, son, daughter, sister or brother is dead and that it was caused by driving drunk.

Comparing 2010/2009 Wisconsin had 5,751/6,429 alcohol related crashes that resulted in 220/238 people killed and 3,511/3,793 injured. Dodge County 2010/2009 alcohol related crashes totaled 71/105 on roads resulted in 3/8 people killed and 55/78 persons injured.

Under current Wisconsin law a first time violation for operating while under the influence of an intoxicant, controlled substance or any other drug can result in a forfeiture of $817.50 plus 6 demerit points and 6-9 months revocation. If a passenger is under 16 years of age the driver faces additional charges which can include jail time and 12-18 months revocation.

Sell added, “Don’t be a part of the problem, choose to make a difference by understanding the impact caused by the morning after, tell a friend and help others choose not to drink and drive.”

Bob Sell, Dodge County Highway Safety Coordinator states we’ve all been there, driving the speed limit, you check your rear view mirror and that semi or car seems to want to attach to your rear bumper.

The basic rule of thumb of maintaining one car length of distance for every 10 mph a vehicle is traveling is a good guide to follow but when road and weather conditions are bad motorists need to maintain an even greater distance. Sell stated, it requires a greater distance for a big semi to stop than it does for a car and that drivers who follow large vehicles too closely also find that it is impossible to get a good view of the road ahead. Tailgaters leave very little reaction time to take evasive action if the vehicle in front of them suddenly slows to avoid an object in the roadway.

Following too closely, or tailgating, is frequently cited on accident reports as a possible contributing circumstance in motor vehicle crashes. Sell said, tailgating is dangerous and that a driver can be cited for “Following Too Close” which can result in a forfeiture of $200.50 and an assessment of 3 points.

With summer upon us motorists are seeing more and more bikes and pedestrians on the roads.

The Dodge County Traffic Safety Commission is asking drivers to take special care to look out for others on the roadways.

“Bicyclists and pedestrians are no match for a 2,000 pound car,” said Bob Sell Dodge County Traffic Safety Coordinator. “Drivers must be alert because it is harder to see a person walking than it is to see another car.”

Pedestrians on the road must travel facing traffic while bicyclists are to travel in the same direction as motorized vehicles.

Give a bicycle a distance of at least four feet and more for pedestrians. Put yourself in their position and ask “how much room would I want?”

Sharing the road is not just courteous, it’s the law. Bikers and pedestrians have as much right to the road as cars, trucks and motorcycles.

Failure to share the road can result in crashes causing injuries or even death.

Week of June 27, 2011
REPORT MISSING OR BLOCKED HIGHWAY SIGNS

Dodge County drivers are asked to observe and report any highway signs that are down, missing or blocked by tree limbs, branches and other vegetation. Highway Safety Coordinator, Bob Sell states that the sign problem should be reported to the city for city streets, township for town roads or Dodge County for state and county roads.

With the recent fatal crash at the Reeseville crossing, Dodge County Highway Safety Coordinator Robert Sell reviews the rail crossing law.

“Wisconsin law requires all vehicles to stop at railroad crossings when any warning device signals stop. The warning device may be a stop sign, flashing red lights, bells, gates or any combination thereof. The law does permit motorists to proceed after stopping for the warning device if no train is approaching, provided that the motorist doesn’t have to drive through, under or around a crossing gate or barrier,” Sell said.

Trains are not the only hazards encountered at railroad crossings. School buses, passenger buses and vehicles carrying flammable liquids, etc., are required to stop at railroad crossings. It is illegal to pass such a vehicle, stopping as required, unless the roadway is of sufficient width for two lines of traffic to move simultaneously in the same direction. The Highway Safety Coordinator cautions drivers to avoid rear end collisions when overtaking vehicles that are slowing down to stop or have stopped at railroad crossings.

Sell added that failure to stop when required at a railroad crossing may result in a forfeiture of $269.50 and 6 points.

With our recent rains and below normal temperatures, spring field work has been set back and farmers are waiting for warmer weather and the fields to dry off. As soon as the fields are ready there will be a noticeable increase in tractor and farm implements traveling on all Dodge County roads. Wisconsin DOT reported 158 crashes in 2009 crashes involving farm tractor/self propelled that resulted in 5 fatalities and 60 injured. Dodge County Traffic Safety Coordinator Bob Sell reminds motorists of a few traffic safety facts:

1. Farm tractors travel slower than other traffic.

2. Farm tractors may have machinery attached behind and off to one side.

3. Farm tractors have wide loads.

4. Farm tractors generally go a short distance and turn left or right into a field or farm driveway.

5. Farm tractor drivers have reduced or no vision to the rear of the load.

6. Farm tractors with implements need to make wide turns.

7. Farm tractors pull onto the highway from field driveways.

8. Farm tractors have a right to be on the road.

Sell states that most rural roads have narrow shoulders and motorists need to be on the alert when cresting hills as there might be a farm tractor on the other side of the hill. According to Sell, farm tractor crashes occur when the car driver is in a hurry, gets antsy and develops an attitude problem. He said most farm tractor accidents happen when the tractor is making a right or left turn at the same time the car driver decides to pass.

Drivers under age 21 who violate the “Absolute Sobriety-not a drop” law will have a mandatory license suspension for three months and receive a forfeiture citation of $389.50. Four demerit points will be assessed on their driver’s license. A conviction of this violation may result in higher auto insurance premiums.

Robert Sell, Dodge County Highway Safety Coordinator urges parents to talk to their son or daughter who drives or is a passenger about their safety. Sell added that the two party months of May and June can be costly, hazardous and deadly to teenagers who drink and drive or are passengers in a vehicle where the driver has been drinking alcohol.

“Underage Drinking” A person 17-20 yrs. of age who possesses or consumes alcohol will receive a citation for $452.50.

“Underage Drinking” A person less than 17 yrs. of age who possesses or consumes alcohol will be referred to juvenile court.

Sell cautions parents that even though Wisconsin has the Not-A-Drop law that deals with drivers under age 21 and the underage drinking law, that laws cannot prevent all such tragedies from happening. However parents can establish and enforce no-alcohol rules for parties that are held in their homes or under their control and impress upon their own children the seriousness of the problem.

Sell added, “If you have any doubts at all, it’s much better to insist on driving your student to and from the party than risk losing them in a traffic crash.”

Speeding through construction areas can be hazardous to both construction-maintenance workers and to motorists, according to Robert Sell, Dodge County Highway Safety Coordinator.

Bright orange warning signs, flashing lights and barricades may warn motorist that a construction zone is coming up, yet many drivers continue to speed through the work zone. Sell stated that unless a driver is particularly aware of rapidly changing conditions in the construction and maintenance areas, a careless driver might be forced to stop quickly to avoid hitting slower moving traffic.

Highway crews face many dangers, not the least of which is being hit by out of control vehicles. We all complain about construction zones and detours but if we want our roads kept in good repair we need to deal with some inconveniences, be a little more patient, watch for a flag person and obey the slower speed signs Sell said.

Sell added that fines double in construction zones and that a sign stating “ROAD CLOSED” means just what it says.

Any Wisconsin resident who observes an unsafe condition on local, county or state roads can bring the problem to the attention of the proper authorities, according to Bob Sell, Dodge County Highway Safety Coordinator.

“The forum for citizens to use is their local law enforcement or highway agency as the first step” Sell explained. “Describe the nature of the problem and ask that it be discussed at the next commission meeting.” He said “It is not always necessary that the individual appear before the commission but it would be helpful to commission members to know the exact nature of the problem and how it affects the safety of other motorists,” he added.

In the event of a missing highway sign, particularly a stop sign or railroad crossing marker, the problem should be presented immediately to the agency having jurisdiction over the highway or to the County Sheriff’s Department or Wisconsin State Patrol. “If the situation is serious, temporary signs may be erected to warn drivers in the interim until a permanent replacement can be installed” Sell said.

Wisconsin has a Traffic Safety Commission in each county and a Traffic Safety Coordinator whose duties include the design of safety counter measure programs. The next regularly scheduled Traffic Safety Commission meeting is April 11, 2011 at 9:30 A.M. The meeting is open to the public and will be held at the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department training room, 124 West Street Juneau, WI 53039.

For additional information call Dep. Coordinator, Lt. Trace Frost at the sheriff’s department, (920/386-3726)

Dodge County Highway Safety Coordinator Bob Sell reports that the Wisconsin Department of Transportation has awarded a Child Safety Seat grant totaling $4000.00 to the Dodge County Human Services and Health Department. The grant’s Project Coordinator, Gretchen Klug, RN, BSN states that “Our goal is to provide families in Dodge County with needed car seats, education, seat usage and child passenger safety laws to increase child passenger safety here in Dodge County”.

Sarah Schoen, mother of Nia Schoen-Pugh, pictured in her safety seat said “The car seat program has helped me feel more safe in the way my daughter travels and has helped her to ride more comfortably. We appreciate the assistance and hope more will take advantage of this great opportunity”.

Families must reside in Dodge County and be eligible or participants in the WIC Program to receive a car seat. Sell said that the Dodge County Traffic Safety Commission urges families to contact Project Coordinator Gretchen Klug at 920/386-3678 or gklug@co.dodge.wi.us for more details.

April showers bring May flowers but heavy rains can cause water to stand or pool on roadways which can cause vehicle hydroplaning. According to Dodge County Highway Safety Coordinator Bob Sell, hydroplaning occurs when water on the roadway accumulates in front of your vehicle’s tires faster than the weight of your vehicle can push it out of the way. The vehicle tires lose contact with the road and the vehicle begins a skating like movement across the road.

Sell notes that vehicle speed, tire depth and water depth are three factors that can contribute to hydroplaning.

If you find yourself hydroplaning, do not brake or turn suddenly. This could throw your car into a skid. Hold the wheel firmly and don’t steer in any other direction but straight ahead. Ease off on the gas until the car slows and your steering returns to normal. If you need to brake, do it gently with light pumping action. If your tires are still in partial contact with the road surface, you should be able to regain control of the vehicle in the same way that you would on snow or ice, Sell added.

Sell added that the next scheduled Dodge County Traffic Safety Commission meeting is Monday, April 11, 2011 at 9:30 AM and is held at the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department training room in Juneau and is open to the public.

Bob Sell, Dodge County Highway Safety Coordinator states we’ve all been there, driving the speed limit, you check your rear view mirror and that semi or car seems to want to attach to your rear bumper.

The basic rule of thumb of maintaining one car length of distance for every 10 mph a vehicle is traveling is a good guide to follow but when road and weather conditions are bad motorists need to maintain an even greater distance. Sell stated it requires a greater distance for a big semi to stop than it does for a car and that drivers who follow large vehicles too closely also find that it is impossible to get a good view of the road ahead. Tailgaters leave very little reaction time to take evasive action if the vehicle in front of them suddenly slows to avoid an object in the roadway.

Following too closely or tailgating is frequently cited on accident reports as a possible contributing circumstance in motor vehicle crashes. Sell said tailgating is dangerous and that a driver can be cited for “Following Too Close” which can result in a forfeiture of $200.50 and an assessment of 3 points.

Dodge County Highway Safety Coordinator Robert Sell stated that alcohol clouds driver's judgment and that even with the high cost of fines, insurance and possible jail time, some drivers still haven’t realized the devastating impact they can cause to themselves and others. It’s the morning after when the life changing impact of their actions starts to set in for them. This is also the same time when the innocent family members reach the full reality that a father, mother, son, daughter, sister or brother is dead and that it was caused by driving drunk.

Under current Wisconsin law a first time violation for operating while under the influence of an intoxicant, controlled substance or any other drug can result in a forfeiture of $817.50 plus 6 demerit points and 6-9 months revocation of driving privileges.

Sell said “Don’t be a part of the problem. Choose to make a difference by understanding the impact caused by drunk driving on the morning after.”

As we enter into the month of March we can expect some wide ranges of temperatures along with rain, snow, sleet, fog and black ice. Unlike howling blizzards or driving sleet storms which are apparent to any driver, ice and frost can form on bridges and snow drifted roads without being noticed, according to Bob Sell, Dodge County Highway Safety Coordinator.

Bridges are the most susceptible because they expose the underside of the roadway to cold winds, allowing moisture to freeze. Sell said Dodge County uses meteorological services, patrols and the experience of maintenance foremen who have faced this problem for years to keep the bridges and other areas as free of frost as possible. However, he said, the limited resources and the unpredictability of weather means there will be times when the frost forms before the surface can be treated.

Sell advises motorists to approach bridges, ramps, intersections and other suspicious looking areas cautiously when the temperature is near freezing and the bridge deck or roadway looks wet or frosty. “Slow down as you approach the area where frost may have formed and once you are on a frost area, avoid braking if possible.” Sell said if you have encountered one frost area, there may be more ahead even though most of the roadway is dry and clear.

Bob Sell, Dodge County Highway Safety Coordinator and the Dodge County Traffic Safety Commission note that it is easy to become distracted while driving by daydreaming; eating, looking off the road; passenger distractions; pet on drivers lap and use of the cell/texing phone.

The safety coordinator stated that in one of nine fatal Dodge County crashes last year the use of a cell phone/texting was a possible contributing circumstance at the time of the crash.

He added that a Virginia Tech study reported that use of a cell phone while driving increases the risk of a crash by four times and by 8 to 23 times while texting. The study also showed that hands free phones didn’t reduce the crash risk.

Sell said not giving our full attention to our driving, could result in serious consequences. We could strike a pedestrian, leave the roadway, not notice a hazard or danger, miss important traffic signs/signals or drift left of center. Anything that takes our attention away from driving can lead us to make a poor choice while driving. Our concentration should be completely on our driving and what is around and ahead of our vehicle.

Crashes often happen because one driver does not see another driver or when one driver does something another driver does not expect. It is important for you to let other road users know you are there and what you plan to do. Dodge County Highway Safety Coordinator Bob Sell states that some drivers do not always pay attention to what is going on around them. It is important for other road users to know you are there.

Sell added that besides helping you see at night headlights help other people see you at any time and whenever you have trouble seeing others. If you have trouble seeing them, they will have trouble seeing you. On rainy, snowy or foggy days, headlights make your vehicle easier to see.

Sell suggests turning on your headlights when it begins to get dark even if you turn them on a little early it will help others see you. When driving away from a rising or setting sun, turn on your headlights to help drivers coming toward see you because of the glare. As part of your refueling procedure, check and clean your vehicle head and tail lights clearing snow, ice and road salt from the lenses.