MILWAUKEE — Families of crash victims opened up about their grief as Milwaukee city leaders launched a new effort to combat speeding drivers.
Elected officials and community partners revealed the "Speeding - We Can Live Without It" campaign Monday morning.
The campaign focuses on the High Injury Network — the ten percent of streets with 58 percent of crashes resulting in serious injury or death, according to the recent Milwaukee Crash Analysis.
“With summer upon us, the City of Milwaukee, Department of Public Works, community partners, and those who have been impacted by speed-related crashes are all committed to addressing this problem to improve the quality of life for our residents and save lives,” said Mayor Cavalier Johnson
To reduce speeding, the city is increasing traffic enforcement, promoting anti-speeding messaging across the community, and sharing stories from people impacted by speeding.
Mariah Johnson’s brother Jerrold Wellinger was killed nearly three years ago after another driver crashed into him while traveling 120 mph near 60th and Hampton Avenue.
“My brother was in the median when two cars were racing. His car just shattered into pieces. He was only 22. He had so much to live for,” said Johnson. “Sometimes I have to wake up and remind myself like he's not just away for right now he's like actually gone."
The new anti-speeding campaign comes after 80 traffic-related deaths in 2023. Nearly 40 people have been killed since January 2024, according to Milwaukee Police.
Gloria Shaw shares a tragic connection with Johnson. Shaw's son, Xavier Casanova Davis, was killed while walking near 6th and Juneau close to Fiserv Forum. A driver blew through a red light, hit the 23-year-old then left.
"This is a pain that will never end," Shaw explained. "It angers me but saddens me at the same time because people still just don't get it."
As Shaw wears a necklace filled with her son's ashes, she hopes sharing stories like hers will make people think twice.
"Slow down because we don't want it to be you. We don't want to see you in a body bag. We don't want your family to bury you," Shaw stated.
Campaign organizers are inviting the public to share how they have been impacted by speeding through the campaign story wall, and report reckless driving at (414)-935-3925 or through the Traffic Safety Unit form.
Click here to learn more or add your organization to the campaign.
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