MILWAUKEE — Reckless driving continues to plague Milwaukee, and lately, the people in charge of fixing the roads have become victims. Now the Commissioner of Public Works is addressing the issue and how it's impacted their department.
When one person is hurt, the whole department hurts. That's the message from Commissioner of Public Works Jeff Polenske after two DPW workers were injured in a crash Wednesday afternoon.
"It really does kind of hit hard," Polenske said. "They were very fortunate, you know, this was something that could have been a lot worse than what it was."
It happened near 52nd and Hampton. Polenske said forestry workers were picking up litter in the median when a reckless driver traveled onto the median, hitting them before driving off. He said the workers are out of the hospital, but it will take the time to recover.
"These are people that are out there, public servants that are out there doing a job to improve the community," Polenske said.
Last month, police said a utility worker suffered severe injuries to his legs when he was struck while working by 6th and State, and a DPW worker was hurt after a driver in a stolen SUV ran into a city vehicle near 36th and Marion.
More than one year ago, DPW also lost a street maintenance worker, Brian Rodriguez, who was struck while filling potholes.
"It's a result of somebody who is making a decision, a very poor decision to drive a motor vehicle in a really bad way," Polenske said.
Polenske said reckless driving is affecting their crews more frequently.
A place once considered safe for workers like a median or sidewalk isn't safe anymore.
"It is becoming more risky. I think people are more nervous even when they're working in those areas," Polenske said.
DPW is now considering the use of blocking vehicles to protect workers.
Polenske said it's ultimately up to motorists to change their behavior.
"It really is a community problem," Polenske said.
Police are still seeking the driver who hit the two DPW workers the other day. If you have any information about what happened, call Milwaukee police at (414) 935-7360 or Milwaukee Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-TIPS.
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