In a bid to combat the surge in reckless driving incidents, the Village of Shorewood in Wisconsin has adopted a zero-tolerance approach with the passing of Ordinance 3077. The Village of Shorewood posted on Facebook confirming that local law enforcement now has the authority to tow and impound vehicles implicated in the act of reckless driving, a move they emphasize is for safety rather than punitive reasons.
Within this context, Shorewood Police Department will be applying a discretionary policy when deciding to impound a vehicle. The ordinance defines reckless driving practices, which can vary from texting behind the wheel and causing accidents, disregarding traffic regulations at high speeds, to engaging in street racing or displaying road rage. According to the Village of Shorewood, the ordinance aims to address immediate safety risks, however, police may tow a vehicle rather than issue only a citation based on a set of criteria that includes the seriousness of the offence, immediate safety concerns, the driver's legal status, and any hazards posed by the vehicle's placement or condition.
The announcement by the Village of Shorewood outlines examples of what may constitute reckless driving under the new ordinance. From texting while operating a motor vehicle and crashing as a result, excessive speeds that mock traffic laws, incidents involving street racing, to expressions of road rage—these behaviors now carry implications that could result in vehicles being impounded on the spot. In reinforcing their dedication to public safety, the Village heralds Ordinance 3077 as a strategic measure to deter reckless driving before it leads to tragedy.
