Number
211923
Version
ORIGINAL
Sponsor
ALD. MURPHY
Title
Resolution directing the Department of Administration - Intergovernmental Relations Division to lobby for State law establishing an offense of Reckless Driving Creating Imminent Threat of Serious Bodily Harm.
Analysis
This resolution directs the Department of Administration - Intergovernmental Relations Division to lobby for State law establishing an offense of Reckless Driving Creating Imminent Threat of Serious Bodily Harm.
Body
Whereas, Innumerable tragedies, including the deaths of innocent children, continue to be caused by reckless drivers; and
Whereas, Reckless drivers turn cars, in effect, into stray bullets imminently endangering innocent residents; and
Whereas, Reckless drivers threatening public safety need to be taken off the streets immediately; and
Whereas, The scourge of reckless driving is not only acute in Milwaukee, but is a matter of statewide concern; and
Whereas, Proposed State legislation establishing an offense of Reckless Driving Creating Imminent Threat of Serious Bodily Harm would provide for impoundment of a vehicle upon arrest for the offense; and
Whereas, In drafting the legislation, it would be appropriate for State legislators to consider the following:
1. First offense as a misdemeanor with a minimum mandatory period of incarceration and maximum of 9 months and vehicle impoundment for a minimum of 90 days absent a court order and with an innocent owner exception.
2. Repeat offense within 5 years as a felony with a minimum mandatory period of incarceration and vehicle impoundment for a minimum of 6 months or longer at the discretion of the judge.
3. Imminent threat determined based upon consideration of the following factors: speed; pedestrian and other vehicular presence; simultaneous traffic violations (running red lights or stop signs, passing in prohibited areas, such as bike or parking lanes); unsafe lane deviation; racing, cutting off adjacent vehicles...
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