Reckless driving continues to unnecessarily claim lives

Just days ago a woman, who was a pedestrian, was struck and killed as the result of yet another reckless driving incident at the intersection of N. 35th St. and W. Lisbon Ave. In this instance, the driver ran a red light and crashed into another car, hitting and killing this woman. I cannot imagine what her family is going through, and I wish them comfort as they grieve.

We have seen 14 fatal crashes already this year as a result of reckless driving. These deaths are 100% preventable, and I am beyond disappointed, appalled and upset at the continued behavior people are demonstrating on our roadways.

The Common Council has worked to allocate millions of dollars toward traffic calming infrastructure, and I will work with the Milwaukee Police captains in my district to enhance traffic enforcement, particularly along Lisbon, 20th, Walnut, Sherman, and Fond du Lac, but that will only get us so far. We need people to change their behaviors.

As a community we cannot be complicit. It is costing us too many lives and endangering the safety of good-natured people. We need our men to talk to young men, our women to talk to young women, and our community-based organizations, clergy members, teachers, elected officials, media members, and especially parents to talk to the young people about following basic, essential traffic rules.

I’m telling people today to consistently practice defensive driving, and I hope the community joins me in spreading this message.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.