The Wisconsin Senate has introduced Bill 375 with the aim of reducing the road fatality rate, supported by State Senator Dora Drake. This is one of the main issues of concern for the authorities, as expressed by both Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman and County Executive David Crowley.
This new measure aims to implement security surveillance cameras and red-light cameras in order to deter reckless drivers who are responsible for so many accidents. However, approval is on hold as some voices, such as Senator Van Wanggaard, do not believe that installing cameras is a useful solution. Nevertheless, the positive results of these measures in other states support the bill, so it is expected to be approved.
Concern on Wisconsin roads
In recent years, one of the biggest concerns for Wisconsin state authorities has been the increase in road deaths, causing citizens to feel unsafe on the roads. According to the Wisconsin Police Report for 2024, the percentage of traffic-related deaths between 2002 and 2022 increased by 114%, with more than 70 deaths in that year alone. Considering that the state of Wisconsin has reduced that percentage to 36%, these are alarming figures.
Faced with this scenario, Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman said, “Traffic violence is one of the most pressing challenges to public safety in our city. Every officer knows the anguish of responding to a fatal or serious accident scene.” Adding to this concern was County Executive David Crowley, who stated, “Our streets must be safe for everyone. Our streets should be the fundamental building blocks of our communities, not another barrier to well-being and prosperity.” In light of this situation, measures have been taken.
Wisconsin Senate Bill 376
Faced with this bleak scenario, the authorities have decided to take action. There are several measures that can be implemented to deter reckless drivers, such as speed cameras, which are already in use in more than 300 cities across the United States. Both speed cameras and red light cameras are highly successful tools in combating reckless driving, which could be a solution to the problem facing Milwaukee. This is the focus of Wisconsin Senate Bill 375, which was recently introduced.
The bill seeks to approve the use of automated cameras in 75 districts of the city, focusing on high-risk areas where safety needs to be improved. This measure has been supported by State Senator Dora Drake, who has stated, “This legislation seeks to change dangerous habits and ensure that everyone—no matter where they live—can cross the street or drive to work, school, or church without fear”.
How would this new measure work?
The installation of speed cameras and red light cameras would not affect those who do not exceed the 15 mph limit. It is proposed that the money generated by fines imposed on offending drivers would be returned to the system, and any surplus would be used to finance road safety infrastructure.
Not everyone is in favor
Not all voices related to the authorities are in favor of the bill, which raises concerns about unwanted impacts. One of the people who has spoken out against it is Senator Van Wanggaard, who argues that speed cameras will not solve the existing problem: “I don’t see taking a photo as a way to solve it here.” Reference has also been made to the problems of profiling, making money, and charging people with fines they cannot pay.
In response, Norman explained, “The goal is not fines. It’s about compliance, and compliance saves lives”. Despite the arguments against it, the presence of cameras in other states has proven to be a highly effective deterrent against reckless drivers, so it is expected that the bill will pass and these cameras will be installed on Milwaukee’s roads.