Oneida County safety commission reviews 2025 crash data, statewide programs

The Oneida County Highway Traffic Safety Commission on Feb. 17 reviewed crash data showing Wisconsin ended 2025 with 545 fatalities and Oneida County recorded 839 total crashes with six fatalities in 2025. Cooper, presenting county and state crash history, said distracted‑driving crashes were down about 18% compared with the three‑year average and that pedestrian, motorcycle and bicycle crashes also trended downward.

Cooper summarized statewide items members should note, including Restricted Crossing U‑Turn (RCUT) intersections and a new statewide initiative called "Place of Last Drink," and announced the Governor’s Conference is scheduled for Aug. 24–26, 2026. Members were directed to Community Maps for legislative updates and crash‑mapping tools; staff noted Community Maps now supports display of location markers and hosts training videos.

Ellenbecker, representing Rhinelander High School Driver’s Education, emphasized outreach to students: "Anything free given to the students, they would like and wear; like bright shirts," and the commission discussed sizes, messaging and distribution options. Cooper said the commission’s annual outreach budget is $1,900 and agreed to follow up on pricing and printing options, including contacting Metro Screen printing.

The commission provided a contact for additional data inquiries (CrashDataAnalysis@dot.wi.gov) and encouraged members to use Community Maps virtual office hours on the second Monday of each month from 12–1 p.m. for technical questions. The meeting concluded with no formal policy actions on the crash‑data items.