Fitchburg, WI (November 20, 2024) – A rear-end collision on Highway PB near Rolling Oaks Ln on Tuesday resulted in one driver being hospitalized and another arrested for operating while intoxicated (OWI), according to Fitchburg Police.
The crash was discovered by an off-duty Verona police officer, who observed an SUV with significant front-end damage and an unresponsive driver inside. The officer forced their way into the vehicle and found the driver, a man from Belleville, conscious but unable to exit the vehicle on his own. The driver exhibited signs of impairment and was found to be in possession of a handgun, according to Lt. Dustin Fehrmann.
Investigators determined that the SUV was traveling southbound on Highway PB when it rear-ended a pickup truck, also heading south. The impact caused the pickup to veer off the road, and its driver sustained neck and spine injuries. Emergency responders transported the injured driver by ambulance to a nearby hospital for treatment. The driver of the SUV was uninjured but was taken into custody on OWI charges.
The Fitchburg Police Department is continuing its investigation into the crash.
OWI and Rear-End Collisions in Wisconsin
Rear-end collisions are a common occurrence on Wisconsin roadways, often resulting in serious injuries to occupants, especially when high speeds or impaired driving are involved. Impaired drivers significantly increase the risk of accidents due to delayed reaction times and impaired judgment, as seen in this incident on Highway PB.
Wisconsin’s laws regarding operating while intoxicated (OWI) aim to curb the dangers of impaired driving, which remains a significant safety issue. Drivers arrested for OWI face severe penalties, including fines, license revocation, and potential jail time, especially in cases involving injuries.
Neck and spine injuries, like those suffered by the pickup driver in this crash, often require extensive medical care and rehabilitation. Such injuries can have long-lasting effects on the victim’s quality of life, highlighting the importance of addressing reckless driving behaviors to prevent similar incidents.
Our thoughts are with the injured driver as they recover. We also commend the off-duty officer for their quick action in assisting at the scene.
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