MADISON, Wis. (WKOW) — An art exhibit titled “Car Crash Tragedies” opened at the Wisconsin State Capitol on March 1, aiming to raise awareness of traffic violence.
Running through March 26, the exhibit includes the Patches of Peace memorial quilt, photographs, and interviews with families impacted by road fatalities.
Gloria Shaw, whose son Xavier Davis was killed in a traffic accident in 2022, emphasized the need for awareness. “I am here to raise awareness for his story, to hopefully get some closure, and hoping somebody sees it, so that we do get justice for him,” Shaw said. Davis was 23 years old.
Ruth Ehrgott, who lost her daughter Erin Mogensen and her unborn child to similar violence, noted the statewide implications of the issue. “This isn't just a Milwaukee problem. This is a statewide problem,” she stated. “We can't have any more families part of this club.”
Jessica Weinberg, City of Milwaukee Vision Zero Policy Director, highlighted the exhibit's goal to inspire change. “Every traffic death is preventable. Slowing down, not drinking and driving are the two easy first steps for individuals,” Weinberg said.
The exhibit aims to honor those killed, support survivors, and promote strategies to achieve Vision Zero, a goal of zero traffic deaths.