On the night of May 30, a significant traffic incident unfolded on Highway 29 in the Town of Waukechon, Shawano County, Wisconsin, resulting in a serious rear-end collision that highlighted the dangers of impaired and high-speed driving. According to the Shawano County Sheriff's Office, the crash occurred around 9:55 p.m. near the intersection of Highway 29 and County Trunk Highway K. A 21-year-old male driver from Green Bay, suspected of driving under the influence and at an excessive speed, collided with a pickup truck traveling ahead. The impact was so severe that the car ultimately came to rest in the median, bursting into flames. While the driver escaped without physical injury, a 36-year-old female passenger in the pickup truck sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The incident underscores the critical importance of safe driving practices and the potential consequences of reckless behavior on Wisconsin's highways.

The stretch of Highway 29 through Shawano County is a critical east-west transportation corridor connecting several communities in northeastern Wisconsin. This particular section near County Trunk Highway K is characterized by rural highway conditions typical of the region, with open terrain and potentially challenging visibility during nighttime hours. Highway 29 serves as a major route for both local and regional traffic, carrying a mix of personal vehicles and commercial transportation. The area is known for its agricultural landscape, with occasional access points to local farms and rural properties. Traffic control devices in the area include standard highway signage, center line markings, and periodic intersection signals designed to manage the flow of vehicles in this potentially high-speed corridor.

Legally, this incident raises several important considerations for those involved. Under Wisconsin state law, driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense with significant legal ramifications. Potential charges may include Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), with penalties ranging from fines and license suspension to potential criminal charges depending on the specific circumstances. Victims of such accidents may be entitled to compensation through various legal channels, including personal injury claims, insurance settlements, and potential civil litigation. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Wisconsin is typically three years from the date of the accident, though specific circumstances can affect this timeline. Potential compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages, though the exact nature of such claims would require detailed legal consultation.

Related Resources

• Emergency Services:

  • Shawano County Sheriff's Office
  • Shawano County Emergency Medical Services
  • Wisconsin State Patrol - Northeast Region

• Traffic Safety Resources:

  • Wisconsin Department of Transportation - Traffic Safety
  • Shawano County Highway Department
  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

• Support Services:

  • Shawano County Victim Witness Services
  • Wisconsin Crash Information Resource Center
  • Local Personal Injury Support Groups

• Legal and Regulatory Links:

  • Wisconsin State Traffic Laws
  • Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles
  • Wisconsin Statute Chapter 346 (Rules of the Road)