BURNETT COUNTY HIGHWAY SAFETY COMMISSION
AUGUST 24, 2004

Chairperson Tammy Chell called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. Present were Bob Morehouse-Burnett Co. Highway Commissioner, Carol Larson-Burnett Co. Health Services, Dean Roland-Sheriff, Greg Mattson-DOT, Jeanette Olson-WAWHSL and Dennis Johnson-DOT/BOTS.

Minutes from the May meeting were approved as written with one correction. Jeanette stated that the seat beat survey that she had participated in was a state wide survey with her working the survey in 5 counties. Bob made a motion and second by Jeanette to approve the minutes with the correction, motion made and carried.

Sheriff Roland has concerns with the north intersection of highway 35/70. He recently stopped a semi truck for failing to stop at the stop sign in the median, as the length of his trailer would have been sticking out in the north bound lane if he would have stopped. Sheriff Roland then measured the media length and it is 75' and some trailers are longer then this with the tractor connected. Bob stated that now with the double trailers and the trailers being longer they do not fit in this media stop area, discussion held on this problem and if the intersection could be changed. Sheriff Roland wondered if there was any way a signal could be placed at this intersection as he feels this could aid in the near accidents and the congestion of the intersection. Bob said at this time he knows there is no money thru the state for lighting or painting this year. Also, the FAA would have to be contacted for approval for lights if this would be looked at because of the airport landing strip. This will be looked into by the DOT.

Jeanette reported that Janet Nelson is doing training with Child Passenger Seats with the Burnett Medical Center staff. Jeanette said the Burnett County Child Passenger program probably could work in conjunction with them and Janet stated that she would do a training here at the Government Center if there would be an interest. At this time 70% of child passenger seats are installed incorrectly in vehicles. Carol stated that there is a one day program that shows how to install car seats correctly. It was discussed that maybe Law Enforcement, Health Services and Social Services could have a training here at the Government Center. Carol stated that she would work with Jeanette on getting some training set up here.

Dennis handed out information on a conference in Wisconsin Dells for Child Safety/Children Well Being.

Discussion was held on the Danbury Parade and the back up with the traffic during this time. Greg reported that the traffic count has really gone up the past couple of years at the intersection of 35/77 and the discussion of lights being placed there are also an option.

The concerns at the 35/70 south intersection were also discussed. One being that people do not pull up to the line to activate the light change, also if a turn lane could be made when turning left on Co. Rd B from the North or a light change like they have coming off of Highway 70 going north so there is a break to turn on to Co. Rd B. Greg will check into these items and also the problems at 35/70 north intersection. Greg reported that painting at 35/70 north will be done yet this fall and the 48/87 will also be done. Discussion was held on the bridge problems and what DOT will be doing to eliminate the problems.

The number of fatal accidents in the County has been rising, discussion held. Bob stated that he went out to the scene of the double fatality on Highway 70 and there didn't appear to be any road problems or visibility problems at this area. Alcohol has been an issue with a couple of the accidents.

Discussion was held on the ruts on Highway 70 by the Clam Lake Bridge and on the new Highway 70 which appears to be caused by overloaded semi trucks. Bob stated that the State Patrol did an enforcement detail for trucks and they did check them for weight and other violations. They had the trucks that were overloaded park at the County Shop until the loads could be removed to make the weight limits.

Jeanette reported that the survey she was involved in showed that 72% were buckled up State wide and this is the highest ever in Wisconsin, but still lower then the national count. Northwest Wisconsin was up 8.8%, with women being buckled up more then men, infants were at 96%, seniors at 82% and it should fewer teens buckling up. There were 29,850 vehicles observed in 280 cities thru out Wisconsin. Thru the survey Jeanette observed fewer people using there cell phones then the last survey, but the use was higher during 5-6 pm.

Dennis reported that on August 23, 2004 there were 480 deaths due to traffic crashes compared to 544 last year and the 5 year average is 478 fatalities.

The numbers show that the traffic in Wisconsin has increased in the last year. There are 94,000 licensed drivers in Wisconsin, with 122,000 registered vehicles and 32,600 more residents then last state count.

Dennis handed out information on Bus Safety and Seat Belt Use, discussion held.

At the Governor's Conference the GDL license was discussed. With the change in schools not having driver's education anymore and the private sector taking over, the question had come up if the kids are getting educated like they should?

The laws of the months were as follows: June was focused on saving lives, money and speed.
July was focused on the move over law, when emergency vehicles are stopped along the roadways. There is a $243.00 fine if you do not move over to the other lane.

August was focused on having a front and rear license plate; you could be fined of $131.40 if you don't have both license plates on your vehicle.

Dennis talked on the Brandon's Champions, a program promoting helmet use while biking. It is also promoting putting your name or your child's name, address and other information inside the helmet. They do have stickers you can put this information on and place inside the helmet or make your own. This way if something should happen while riding bike and the individual was unable to communicate, the information would be available to those rendering care. They are hoping to get this to be a Nation wide program. They have a website set up for more information if anyone is interested in this program: www.brandonschampions.org.

Bob made a motion to adjourn and Sheriff Roland second it at 3:10 p.m. Motion made and carried, meeting adjourned.

Tammy Chell
Burnett Co. Highway Safety Chairman