'We're on the right course': Vision Zero data show traffic deaths are down in Milwaukee
CBS 58 MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — New data show traffic deaths are down in Milwaukee for the third year in a row.
City leaders attribute that positive trend to a multitude of changes aimed at slowing down drivers, but note the work is just beginning.
New data from the City of Milwaukee shows traffic deaths dropped by 19% in 2025 compared to 2024.
That's down 26% from 2022, the year Mayor Cavalier Johnson launched Vision Zero, an initiative to achieve zero traffic deaths in Milwaukee by 2037.
"It shows that we're on the right course and need to keep going," said Jessica Wineberg, the city's Vision Zero policy director.
She credits several approaches, including road re-design, to the progress.
"The roads look a little different, and that's on purpose," Wineberg said. "We want you to go a little bit slower because that saves lives."
The projects prioritize safety over speed.
"Speed is the critical factor in the majority of crashes," said Kevin Muhs, the city engineer. "Last year, 52% of traffic deaths in Milwaukee were speeding related."
Data show the percentage of crashes with serious injuries has not significantly changed.
Three-hundred thirty injuries were recorded in 2025, on par with years prior.
"There are still a number of the streets on the High Injury Network that have not been changed," Wineberg said.
The High Injury Network outlines the small percent of corridors where the worst crashes happen.
More than half of last year's traffic deaths occurred on those streets.
"It takes time and money," Wineberg said. "We are dedicated; we are finding all the resources we can."
Wineberg knows there is more work to be done, but said any improvement is encouraging.
"When the deaths decline, that is the absolute most important thing," she explained. "It's most transformative for our community."
City leaders will host a Vision Zero summit on June 10, where community members can give input about traffic safety improvements.
Click here to learn more about the event.
Click here to access the annual Vision Zero data report.
