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April 2014 was the safest April ever on Wisconsin highways for traffic fatalities since the end of World War II, when the modern highway system began.

The state Department of Transportation released the traffic fatality numbers on Monday, showing 27 people died in 21 crashes on Wisconsin roads in April, two fewer than April 2013 and 15 less than the five-year average for April.

The highest number of April traffic fatalities in Wisconsin occurred in 1973 when 113 people were killed in crashes.

Through April 30, 115 people have died on Wisconsin roads in 2014, including six motorcyclists and 16 pedestrians.

That's 18 fewer than the first four months of 2013 and 22 fewer than the five-year average.

Seat belt usage, which is the law, is a big factor in keeping traffic deaths down.

Wisconsin law enforcement agencies will be working hard to enforce the seat belt law in the annual "Click It or Ticket" campaign from May 19 to June 1.

"Click It or Ticket is more than a slogan," said David Pabst of the DOT. "Whenever officers observe unbuckled drivers and passengers, they will stop the vehicle and issue citations."

Warmer weather is also bringing out motorcyclists, walkers and runners, and bicyclists, so motorists should be conscience of the extra (and extra vulnerable) traffic.

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