Driver dodges life-threatening dip in river

A Cedarburg man was cited for inattentive driving after he drove his car into the Milwaukee River in the Town of Grafton last weekend.

The Grafton Fire Department responded to a call at 7:41 a.m. Saturday, March 7, to evaluate the man, who authorities said was driving west on Pioneer Road when he left the roadway and traveled approximately 75 feet into the river.

Grafton Fire Chief William Rice said the 19-year-old driver managed to get on shore before crews arrived at the scene. 

“He was able to swim to shore, and the depths of the river close to shore are actually pretty deep,” Rice said.

Officials said the driver passed a sobriety test and appeared to have fallen asleep while driving. Rice said the driver was evaluated and released at the scene.

Tread marks indicated the vehicle, a 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid sedan, was traveling at a high rate of speed during the crash.  

Rice said the vehicle is a total loss.

“The airbags went off and the front was crushed. Water was halfway up to the windows,” Rice said, noting department’s water rescue team remained at the scene to assist in removing the vehicle from the river.

Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Justin Kass said the driver was issued a citation for inattentive driving, which carries a fine of $187.90 and four points off his driver’s license. 

Rice said he has never seen a car crash into the river during his firefighting career. 

“The good thing is he didn’t kill himself or anyone else,” he said.