MADISON, Wis. -- Fifty-nine people died in 48 Wisconsin traffic crashes during the month of June.

That's up slightly from 55 fatalities in 2008, according to preliminary statistics from the Department of Transportation.

In terms of traffic deaths, last month was the seventh safest month of June since World War II. The safest month of June occurred in 1946 with 45 traffic deaths, and the deadliest month of June was in 1956 with 115 fatalities.

As of June 30, a total of 247 people have died in 217 Wisconsin traffic crashes during 2009, including 41 motorcycle drivers, five motorcycle passengers, five bicyclists and 10 pedestrians.