Cesar Chavez Drive business owners urge city leaders to stop reckless driving in their neighborhood

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Business owners at Cesar Chavez Drive say they want the city and authorities to help solve the reckless driving problem in their area they say has been happening for a long time. 

"People passing red, or drive too fast, or hit another car," said Jenny Contreras. 

It's something Jenny Contreras, a longtime business owner on Cesar Chavez Drive, said has turned into a growing issue over the years but lately has been happening more frequently. 

"We are in danger because some drivers drive very, very, very fast... and hit the pole for example," said Contreras.

Surveillance video from Alejandro Rivera, owner of Rivera's Western Wear, shows a car crashing into a pole and moments later catching fire.  The driver is seen leaving the scene.

Rivera has also been a victim of reckless driving. In another surveillance video, Rivera was helping someone cross the road when they almost got hit as a car turned onto the street.

Contreras says she fears for her safety when she's walking or driving and would like to see more police presence. 

"We need more attention from our authorities, or police, or some speed bumps on the street to limit those accidents," Contreras said. 

Business owners ask people to be attentive when driving and to use extreme caution. They want to see changes made soon and hope to see involvement from community leaders and police.