"The purpose is zero fatalities in four-day period:" Troopers mobilize for I-90/I-94 Challenge

WAUKESHA COUNTY (WITI) -- An increase in Wisconsin State Troopers on the interstate this weekend -- and it continues through Monday. It's all part of the I-90/I-94 Challenge -- taking place across the country. It's an effort to cut down on traffic-related fatalities.

There was precious cargo on board Sunday, August 3rd -- as six-month-old Devon was buckled up for his first trip to the Wisconsin State Fair.

"I can`t wait to see how he likes the animals!" Devon's grandmother, Joline Palatino said.

Grandma was looking forward to a little bit of extra help on the roadways -- as the family headed from Goerke's Corners in Waukesha County to State Fair Park in West Allis.

"I`m sure we will run into quite a few squad cars on our way in," Palatino said.

The I-90/I-94 Challenge began on Friday, August 1st -- and runs through Monday, August 4th.

The Wisconsin State Patrol has been increasing its presence on busy roadways -- such as I-94.

"The purpose of the 90/94 Challenge is to have zero fatalities in the four-day period that we`re running," Wisconsin State Patrol Sgt. Wendy Younglove said.

For 96 hours, Troopers are covering nearly 5,700 miles of interstate highways within the I-90/I-94 corridor -- across 15 states!

"Traditionally, August is the deadliest month over the past five years," Sgt. Younglove said.

In that time-frame, an average of 62 people have died in crashes. Sgt. Younglove says that's because most motorists are out on vacation, or headed to events like the State Fair.

"Probably the saddest days of my career have been ones where you have to deal with a fatality, and you know that family members have lost someone," Sgt. Younglove said.

Six Troopers have been assigned around the clock to the area surrounding Wisconsin State Fair Park -- and Sgt. Younglove says all available Troopers are being reassigned to the I-90/I-94 corridor to help get motorists in compliance.

If you don't want to listen to Troopers telling you to slow down -- just take it from Grandma!

"Leave enough space between vehicles, and make sure you use seat belts. Safety first!" Palatino said.

The I-90/I-94 Challenge affects seven counties in the Milwaukee area.

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