Reasons why people drive recklessly in Wisconsin, possible solutions.

• Author: Schuster, Steve

Byline: Steve Schuster, sschuster@dailyreporter.com

By Steve Schuster

sschuster@dailyreporter.com

There has been no shortage of reckless driving headlines in the Badger State in recent months, however, among questions that have been largely unaddressed --- why (beyond alcohol and speed) are people driving recklessly?

On May 21, a 14-year-old girl was killed in St. Francis, Wis. by a reckless driver, the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office reported. A 17-year-old boy was arrested for driving recklessly while under the influence. The May 21 death was one of many recently on Wisconsin roadways, due to reckless driving.

Wisconsin's Unique Laws and Driving Culture

Wisconsin remains the only state in the nation where operating while intoxicated (OWI) is classified as a traffic violation in Wisconsin, rather than a criminal matter for a first offense. Wisconsin is also among states that does not generally require use of a hands-free Bluetooth device while driving a motor vehicle. Under current Wisconsin law, a handheld cell phone is prohibited only in a work zone, or if a driver has a probationary license, or instructional permit.

Unlike neighboring states such as Illinois, Wisconsin does not have a law in place that makes the left lane on an interstate a passing lane.

"We don't call it a passing lane in Wisconsin, it's just the left lane," said Wisconsin State Patrol Sgt. Kyle Amlong with the Wisconsin State Patrol, during an interview with the Wisconsin Law Journal.

Illinois law stipulates that "when driving on an interstate highway ... a driver may not drive in the left lane(s), except when passing another vehicle."

Meanwhile in Wisconsin, when people are driving too slowly (well below the zoned or posted speed limit), "I've seen people get irritated and aggressive," Sgt. Amlong added.

WBAY-TV reported Michigan law enforcement officials agreed and said traveling too slowly in the left lane is dangerous because drivers behind them get frustrated and attempt risky maneuvers to get around those who refuse to get out of the left lane. Michigan State Police began issuing citations to drivers going too slowly in the left lane back in 2016.

Back in Wisconsin, Sgt. Kyle Amlong said the State Patrol can issue a citation for driving too slowly in the left lane.

Issuing a citation for driving too slowly, "doesn't happen as often as for speeding," Sgt. Amlong added.

Meanwhile in Indiana, a State Trooper received praise for pulling over a motorist for driving too slowly in the left lane.

The Wisconsin legislature has not addressed changing current law to make the left lane a passing lane in Wisconsin, said Republican Wis. Senator Andr Jacque, during an interview with the Wisconsin law Journal.

"Anything is fair game looking at what surrounding states and our country as a whole is doing to combat reckless driving," Jacque added.

Bielinski said he notices many Wisconsin motorists use the left lane as a travel lane, not a passing lane when traveling between Madison and Milwaukee on I-94.

He didn't think changing the law would be worthwhile.

"I don't know how you change an entire culture," Bielinski said, noting it would take a large investment of law enforcement resources to enforce legislation making the left lane a passing lane on Wisconsin interstates.

However, laws in other states allowing police to ticket drivers for using the left lane as a travel lane has resulted in an increase in revenue for those states.

Jacque also said he is actively working on legislation inspired by a retired Green Bay Police officer.

The proposed measure would address fleeing the scene of a crime, racing on a highway, high speed issues, driving on a suspended license or operating without a license.

"Run and you're done," Jacque said.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0Bitd6p5w4[/embed]

Drinking and other substance use

When it comes to drinking and driving, Wisconsin has quite a history.

"On the issue of substance abuse, Wisconsin has long had a problem with impaired drivers. The State legislature has made some strides in increasing criminal penalties, but more needs to be done. Easy access to illegal drugs is also part of the problem. But in both cases, there is only so much that the criminal law can do to deter impaired drivers," said Ed Fallone, Chair of the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission during an interview with the Wisconsin Law Journal.

Fallone also serves as an Associate Professor at Marquette University Law School.

Sen. Chris Larson (Democrat Milwaukee) has introduced bills for at least the past two legislative sessions that would have made a first-offense driving while under the influence require an ignition interlock device, according to Justin Bielinski...