Reckless driving needs to end to save lives

Reckless driving prevention is the Wisconsin State Patrol’s July Law of the Month, to encourage all motorists to be aware of the consequences of dangerous driving. Reckless driving is a growing problem across the nation, and in Wisconsin.

Traffic crashes are more dangerous and can be deadly, when they involve excessive speeds or other reckless behaviors. About 3,000 people are injured by a reckless driver every year, in Wisconsin; 118 people were killed in 2022.

Every driver can make a difference in the effort to curb reckless driving, by making responsible decisions behind the wheel. The WisDOT continuously works to solve the challenge of reckless driving from all angles – engineering, enforcement and education.

“Reckless driving crashes are preventable,” said WisDOT secretary Craig Thompson. “We need everyone to recognize the risk of irresponsible driving, commit to being respectful on the roads and help us change the culture of reckless driving.”

Reckless driving is illegal in Wisconsin. Drivers can face charges for endangering someone’s safety or causing injury to another person on the roads. A reckless driving charge could include negligent behaviors like speeding; improper lane changes; and inattentive, erratic or aggressive driving. Red light running, tailgating, illegal passing and drifting, are also reckless driving behaviors.

A new state law enacted in the spring, aims to curb risky driving behaviors, by increasing penalties for reckless driving convictions. A driver could now face up to $400 in fines for a first offense. If someone is seriously injured in a reckless driving crash, the driver could face up to six years in prison, and $10,000 in fines.

The Wisconsin State Patrol works year-round, to stop reckless drivers before they cause harm, through daily visibility on highways and special enforcement efforts.

“Our officers have a vital opportunity to remind drivers, that something as simple as increasing your speed, can make your vehicle harder to control, and increase your risk of injuring yourself or others,” said State Patrol superintendent Tim Carnahan. “We remind all drivers to slow down, avoid distractions and be patient in traffic.”

Speeding continues to be a growing problem in Wisconsin. The number of 100 plus mph citations issued by the state patrol, rose sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic, from 583 citations in 2019, to 1,403 citations in 2020. Patrol officers issued 1,159 citations in 2022, for those going over 100 mph.

Aerial enforcement missions on major traffic routes allow state patrol pilots to spot drivers who are speeding, tailgating or driving recklessly. The pilots work with ground-based officers to initiate a traffic stop.

Troopers and inspectors also partner with other local law enforcement agencies, for special enforcement campaigns to address issues like reckless driving throughout the year.

Wisconsin agencies are joining law enforcement from 11 states across the region, for a Speed Awareness Day enforcement campaign, Wednesday, July 26. The goal is to raise awareness and save lives.