Two fatal motorcycle crashes in 24 hours; some taking action

Group pushing for Motorcycle Safety Day in Milwaukee

Group pushing for Motorcycle Safety Day in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Two people were killed in motorcycle crashes in less than 24 hours, with the latest occurring Tuesday morning, August 20th on I-43 northbound at Howard Avenue in the Plainfield Curve. The motorcycle rider, identified as 19-year-old David Dang of Oak Creek was pronounced dead at the scene.

North Shore Fire officials were on the scene of a fatal motorcycle crash on Monday, August 19th. It happened near Port Washington and Hampton Ave. around 7:00 p.m. Monday, and a male motorcycle rider was killed.

As Milwaukee gears up for the big Harley-Davidson 110th anniversary celebration during Labor Day Weekend, and millions of bikes roar into the city, some are hoping to stop these tragedies from happening.

Richard Chingway heard Tuesday morning's motorcycle crash on I-43.

"It startled me so much that my coffee flew out of my hand. There's too many of these," Chingway said.

Vinnetta Dawson has dealt with this kind of a tragedy firsthand.

On June 30th, her sister Vinencia Dawson was on her motorcycle when she was hit and killed.

"It's just people are not being aware of their surroundings," Dawson said.

With several motorcycle crashes in the Milwaukee area this summer, Dawson and community activist Tracey Dent are circulating petitions, calling for a Motorcycle Safety Day.

"It's really sad to hear that all these people are losing their lives. Something has to be done.  We have to get the awareness out there and we have to take it serious," Dent said.

They have already collected more than 1,000 signatures and will present them to the city, asking to set aside a day to remember those who have died on a motorcycle, and to promote safety.

"Be safe, wear your equipment.  You may be safe driving, but the people around maybe could care less. The deaths have to stop," Dawson said.