Local leaders unveil new resolution that hopes to eliminate traffic deaths countywide
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley on Monday, Feb. 24, signed a new resolution that he says will help the county eliminate traffic deaths by 2037. It’s called the Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (CSAP) and outlines 25 “corridors of concern” where reckless driving incidents, including fatalities, are likely to take place.
“Deadly crashes in our community have increased drastically,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “And quite frankly not only is this unacceptable, but we must do better.”
According to the CSAP, on 27th Street, 26 people have died from 2018 to 2022 because of reckless driving. There were also 101 serious injury crashes during that time span and 63% of all crashes on that street are likely to happen at an intersection.
Milwaukee County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) action plan takes a look at this data and presents a solution to reduce that risk.
“These are our neighbors, these are family members, and we need to have some frank conversations with individuals about the type of driving culture we’re seeing,” said Crowley.
In the plan, MCDOT lists more than 500 safety projects it says can reduce crashes countywide by 18%. Some of the changes include reducing speed limits, narrowing lanes, and building traffic calming measures.
“I just know it’s a problem we can’t write citations enough to stop,” said Capt. Charles Stowers with the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office.
This could lead to more safety plans down the road, with Milwaukee County now eligible for federal funding for traffic safety projects.
“We will not only save lives, but we’re gonna build better, safer transportation infrastructure for everyone to enjoy,” said Crowley.