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Epidemic of reckless driving
Epidemic of reckless driving
MILWAUKEE -- A 6-year-old girl was killed after she was struck by a reckless driver during a hit-and-run Thursday evening, Oct. 24 near 22nd and Center streets. Her 4-year-old sister and 10-year-old cousin were seriously injured.
Still, less than 24 hours later, the tragedy did not appear to be changing some drivers' behavior. A FOX6 News crew spotted several reckless drivers on Friday, Oct. 25 in the same intersection this heart-wrenching crash unfolded -- evidence that there's much more work to be done.
City leaders said they're working on a plan to end reckless driving -- something they're calling an "epidemic."
"When I saw the news last night, it just breaks your heart," said Alderman Michael Murphy. "It just turned my stomach."
Murphy, who is leading the City-County Carjacking and Reckless Driving Task Force pleaded for drivers to slow down.
"And then the person who did this terrible crime -- not even have the decency to stop and get out of the car and help," said Murphy. "It just gives me nightmares. I don't know how we're producing human beings like this. It's so heartless."
On Friday, FOX6's cameras captured cars swerving through bike lanes, blowing red lights, and tailgating in the intersection of 22nd and Center. Five blocks away, at 27th and Center -- one of Milwaukee's most dangerous intersections -- we found more of the same.
"It's going to have to be a multi-prong attack because we didn't get here overnight," said Murphy.
Alderman Murphy on Friday released a draft of the task force's initial findings.
"Changing people's behavior is the key focus," said Murphy.
The nearly 30-page report focused on a three-pronged approach: Engineering Solutions, Accountability and Enforcement, and Prevention and Education. It included more than 20 recommendations -- adding speedbumps and roundabouts, exploring the possibility of red-light cameras, and increasing awareness are among them.
"Because it could be any one of our children," said Murphy.
The task force began meeting in April 2019. Murphy said several public listening sessions would be held across the community to gather input before a final plan would be adopted.
CLICK HERE to read the report.
Alderman Bob Donovan, chair of the Milwaukee Common Council's Public Safety Committee announced a Saturday morning news conference during which alderpersons would outline "multiple steps being pursued to combat reckless driving across the city" in the wake of this tragic hit-and-run.
A news release said Common Council members submitted a letter to Governor Tony Evers, Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, Wisconsin Assembly and Senate leaders, and members of the Milwaukee state delegation requesting immediate state resources to help combat reckless driving in the city.
CLICK HERE to read the letter.
Alderman Russell Stamper and Alderman Robert Bauman issued statements on the incident Friday.
Alderman Stamper's statement:
Alderman Bauman's statement: