Over 600,000 Wisconsinites to travel over Memorial Day Weekend

MILWAUKEE -- Memorial Day travelers will take to the roads and the skies over the long holiday weekend that unofficially marks the beginning of summer for many. AAA says 35-million Americans will travel over this Memorial Day weekend.

AAA says over 612,000 Wisconsinites will travel more than 50 miles this weekend, between Thursday and Monday.

"It's the start of summer. Schools are letting out and families are getting ready to go on vacation," Louis Traverzo, TSA Federal Security Director at Mitchell International Airport said.

Traverzo discussed some important changes for air travelers...

"Those that are 75 or older get to keep their shoes on. If they have a light outerwear jacket, they can keep that on. If they have a small belt, they can keep those items on as well," Traverzo said.

Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke cited the three most important things drivers can do to help eliminate the more than 500 annual motor vehicle deaths in Wisconsin.

"First - staying near the speed limit. Second - being sober behind the wheel, and third - wearing your seat belt! Seat belts save lives. Only idiots don't wear them," Sheriff Clarke said.

Law enforcement officials ramped up their seat belt monitoring with the “Click It or Ticket” campaign which began Monday, May 21st.

The seat belt enforcement campaign will run through June 3rd, with over 400 Wisconsin law enforcement agencies putting in longer hours patrolling for seat belt violations. It's a $10 fine for unbuckled adults and a nearly $90 fine for unbuckled children four and under.

Sheriff Clarke said during 2011's Memorial Day Weekend, seven people died in fatal crashes in Wisconsin.

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