Traffic safety in Madison continues to be one of the most prominent feedback topics for the City agencies who handle transportation safety. We share the concerns about reckless driving throughout the city. Traffic Safety is central to our Vision Zero initiative, and is one of three identified strategic areas the Madison Police Department will be focusing on in 2022. Since January of 2020 the Madison Police Department has investigated 34 fatalities on our roadways, with 5 of those occurring already in 2022.

As part of the MPD Strategic Plan, officers will be focusing on three main roadways within the City: East Washington Ave, Mineral Point Rd and the Beltline. In 2021, 57% of all traffic fatalities and 18% of serious injuries occurred on one of these three streets. Officers will continue to focus on hazardous moving violations on all Madison streets and MPD encourages everyone to utilize the Speeder’s Hotline (608-266-4624) or go online to Report Traffic Enforcement Concerns.

As we move into spring and warmer weather, we can expect a return of those who choose to “cruise” along the East Washington Ave corridor, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights. We expect anyone that chooses to “cruise” to do so in a safe manner, and to be respectful of those that live on or near East Washington Ave. The Madison PD will continue to provide an enforcement presence on East Washington Ave, particularly on the weekends, utilizing both on-duty personnel and additional staffing available through our use of traffic enforcement grants.

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable spring. Speeding, Distracted Driving and Operating While Intoxicated continue to be the main contributing factors in our serious and fatal crashes. These are all factors that each and every driver has the ability, and responsibility, to control. Drive safe, drive sober and slow down. Help us build a culture of safe driving in Madison.

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Category: Transit