MILWUAKEE — The Wisconsin Department of Transportation released frightening video of a woman hitting a snowbank and plunging off of the Marquette Interchange. The 27-year-old survived the crash and was suspected of drunk driving.
This comes just after a 34-year-old Pewaukee man hit a snowbank and plunged 70 feet off of the Zoo Interchange. He also survived and is now facing three traffic violations. Authorities said he was speeding.
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- VIDEO: Woman drives off Marquette Interchange ramp, survives with injuries
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Eddie Santigo is the Director of Highway Operations for Milwaukee County Department of Transportation. He said in a weather-related event, their first priority is to clear the roads, and they then focus on the snow removal process.
“Thawing and freezing on the side of the roads, it can potentially cause snowbanks to form ramp-like forms, and especially if it’s hard ice, if they go off the road, it can cause them to lose control of their vehicle,” said Santiago.
Officials with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation said both incidents are extremely rare and are a result of reckless driving in dangerous conditions.
According to WisDOT, about 300,000 vehicles pass through the Marquette Interchange each day and 350,000 pass through the Zoo Interchange. Officials said with more snow expected, it’s important for drivers to slow down for everyone’s safety.
“Go at a safe speed and to go under the speed limits. It’s not only for safety, for commuters and personal safety, but also for crews out working out there on the side of the roads,” said Santigo.
We did reach out to the female driver to hear her side of the story, but she said she is focused on her recovery.
