In June, the Marquette University Police Department launched a traffic enforcement unit aimed at tackling reckless driving. In just 11 weeks, they stopped over 200 cars, issued 171 tickets, and arrested 14 people for driving under the influence.
This initiative is part of a broader push to enhance safety in Milwaukee. With traffic fatalities in Milwaukee County surging by over 113% from 2002 to 2022, city officials believe that Marquette’s efforts can complement their initiatives against reckless driving. The Milwaukee Police Department reported over 2,000 crashes with injuries and 33 traffic deaths just this year.
Since summer began, the Milwaukee Police have issued 243 traffic citations, including 113 for speeding, in District 3, home to Marquette’s campus. Marquette’s Lt. Kevin Walz emphasized the teamwork with city police. “We’re trying to put pressure on irresponsible drivers,” he said.
Jessica Wineberg, from the city’s Vision Zero initiative, aims to eliminate traffic deaths by 2037. She noted that, while long-term road improvements are in the works, the traffic unit helps fill gaps due to staffing shortages at the city police. “The more help we get with enforcement, the better,” she stated, highlighting the urgency of addressing egregious traffic behavior.
Interestingly, Wisconsin stands out compared to its neighbors like Minnesota and Illinois, which utilize automated traffic enforcement tools like red-light cameras. These devices can help capture violators efficiently. Efforts are underway to change this; recent legislative proposals seek to allow cities to pilot traffic camera programs.
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee also addresses traffic concerns in its area but lacks a dedicated traffic unit. Their police department has outlined plans for traffic enforcement, emphasizing that collaboration is key for safety in the community.
For more insights into traffic safety initiatives in Wisconsin, check out Vision Zero.
