We must combat reckless and unsafe driving

Early this morning a vehicle traveling at high speed crashed on N. Sherman Blvd. near W. Florist Ave. in the 1st Aldermanic District. A 23-year-old man died at the scene and a 27-year-old man was transported to a hospital with serious injuries.

Last night, just before 10 p.m. two people were killed when a motorcycle crashed on I-794 near Carferry Dr. south of the main span of the Hoan Bridge. Witnesses said a group of motorcycles entered I-794 at Oklahoma Ave. at high speed and the crash occurred moments later.

My sincere condolences go out to the families and friends of all of the victims. It is incredibly sad to see three lives gone in just a matter of a few hours in our City.

The stark truth is that we must find ways to combat reckless and unsafe driving before more lives are lost. Over the last eight years Milwaukee has seen a 73% increase in traffic fatalities and the numbers of fatal traffic incidents involving pedestrians has also skyrocketed. Citizens are afraid to drive on certain streets and at certain times of day. Many residents that live on busy main streets are fearful to walk or sit in their front yards. We will be working with neighbors to incorporate various traffic calming measures in the area of the most recently affected.

We must engage citizens and especially children – future drivers – to provide education and outreach that can lead to fewer speed-related crashes, injuries, and fatalities. The time is NOW for critical engagement to be stepped up and intensified. To report reckless driving in the event of an emergency, please call 911. The Milwaukee Police Department can also be reached on its non-emergency number 414-933-4444.

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.