Crime & Safety
4,500 Drivers Ticketed In Milwaukee County
Read on for a summary of saturation patrols and crashes in Milwaukee County from September-December in 2017.
MILWAUKEE, WI - From the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office: Upon becoming Acting Sheriff in September, Richard Schmidt ordered on-going, random saturation patrols on the Milwaukee County freeway system to combat reckless driving and dangerously high speeding. The Wisconsin State Patrol has partnered with the Sheriff’s Office on this initiative. The following statistics show the impact of the initiative from its inception in September through the end of December:
From September through 2017 year end, 4554 traffic citations were issued, 3108 for speeding:
- 11-15 mph over: 182
- 16-19 mph over: 1143
- 20-24 mph over: 1060
- 25-29 mph over: 308
- 30-34 mph over: 90
- 35-39 mph over: 19
- 40-44 mph over: 4
- 45-49 mph over: 4
- 50+ mph over: 23
- Unreasonable-imprudent speed: 291
Statement from Sheriff Schmidt: “Excessive speed and reckless driving are major contributors to the 5,000 crashes that occurred in 2017. I am demonstrating the Sheriff’s Office’s commitment to making our streets safer with these ongoing saturation patrols. We are intent on putting a screeching halt to speeding and reckless driving.”
Find out what's happening in Milwaukeefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Crashes 2017 total – 5000; 8 fatalities
OWI arrests 2017: 851 OWI; 100 OWI/Drugs
Find out what's happening in Milwaukeefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The focus of the saturation patrols is on reducing crashes, serious injury and property damage, and is not based on generating revenue. Construction zone safety is also compromised by speeding, reckless drivers. Motorists need to obey Wisconsin's MOVE OVER LAW, moving over a lane for emergency vehicles and tow trucks, or slowing to under 40 mph if unable to safely change lanes.
Photo courtesy of The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office
