Milwaukee County OKs plan to combat reckless driving, traffic deaths in 25 transit corridors
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, alongside state, municipal, and community partners, signed off a new safety plan Monday that would tackle reckless driving and traffic deaths.
The Comprehensive Safety Action Plan identifies more than 500 potential project opportunities, with a focus on the county's 25 transit corridors of concern. The plan, which could unlock new federal funding, aligns with the county's overall Vision Zero commitment that aims to reduce reckless driving, traffic violence, and fatal and serious injury crashes by 2037.
Fatal crashes have increased throughout Milwaukee County at a higher rate than the country since 2014, according to a statement from Crowley's office. Fatal and serious injury crashes increased by 42% in 2020-2022 compared to 2010-2012.
'Today is an important milestone in our commitment to enhance the safety of our roads," Crowley said in a statement. 'Moving forward, my administration will implement a unified strategy for Milwaukee County and our municipal partners to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries, while improving overall health outcomes for our residents.'
The new plan presents potential projects, including road diets and slow zones, that could reduce fatal and serious injury crashes by 38% in the 142 targeted problem areas and by 18% across the county, according to the statement.
Adoption of the plan qualifies the county and its 19 municipalities for eligibility to apply for federal grants to fund a selection of prioritized projects. The plan is now set to go to the U.S. Department of Transportation for certification.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee County OKs plan to combat reckless driving, traffic deaths
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