Milwaukee leaders implement new measures, cracking down on reckless driving

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — Starting Oct. 1, authorities are changing how they target reckless driving and repeat offenders.

"We are ready to fight because it's not fair," said Martha Dunmore, the mother of Talise Dumore.

Martha is one of many demanding justice after her daughter, Talise, was killed by an intoxicated driver in a hit-and-run on 76th Street. Records show the driver, Stephanie Sykes, had been convicted of OWI four times prior.

"Eighty miles an hour," said Dunmore. "Come on now, 80? What was the rush? 80 miles an hour is ridiculous."

Tuesday, the Milwaukee city attorney, Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office, and Milwaukee Police Department said they have a new tool to help crack down on reckless drivers.

Milwaukee City Attorney Evan Goyke says they will no longer amend or dismiss reckless driving citations, whether it be through a trial or plea.

"By increasing the municipal convictions for reckless driving, habitual offenders will be more likely to find themselves in a criminal court for their dangerous driving," said Chief Jeffrey Norman with the Milwaukee Police Department.

Chief Norman says officers will be issuing state citations for reckless driving.

"I've seen first-hand all kinds of people driving too fast, and irresponsibly driving, and disobeying traffic signs and passing illegally," said Chief Norman.

Hoping these new changes will prevent more tragic losses.

"We will never forget, and we will not stop fighting," said Dunmore. "This is not the end, this is just the beginning."