We, the people of Miami and Montgomery County, are coming together in this petition to ask that a four way stop sign, flashing lights, or a stop light be added to the intersection of SR 40 and Palmer Rd in Bethel Township, Ohio. Our reasoning in asking for this is a tragic one. On Wednesday, May 26, 2021, our dear Laci Thomas (17 years old) was in a horrific car accident along with four of her dear friends at the above-mentioned intersection. Laci sustained an inconceivable number of injuries. The jaws of life were needed to help the first responders get her out of the vehicle. The driver (Laci’s 18-year-old boyfriend) of this vehicle and two of the passengers in the backseat were severely injured as well. Sadly, Laci’s injuries were too harsh for her young body to withstand. After an EXTREMELY long and confusing five days of “she’s going to be ok” one minute to “oh my God, what are we going to do?!” she passed at 5:49 pm on June 1, 2021. There are no words. Nothing can be said or done for her parents, siblings, boyfriend, friends, and all her family to replace our Laci bug.

The level of tragedy from there not being sufficient traffic signs in place at this intersection, from this one accident, is ineffable.  It is a horrible thing, to have to watch your friends break in two because their hearts are ripped from their chest, with the gut wrenching words, “I’m sorry, there’s nothing else that can be done to save your baby.” To think this could have been avoided is beyond frustrating.  From what we have gathered in our recent research, this is not the first, and unfortunately, will probably not be the last tragedy at this DANGEROUS intersection if no action is put forth immediately!

In these unimaginable circumstances, when our control as parents has treacherously been taken from our hands, we must ask ourselves, “What can we do to make sure this NEVER happens again to another family?” Ladies and Gentlemen, we can take a small portion of money, and add 2 stop signs to create a four way stop instead of the two way stop already in place, a flashing light, or a stop light at the intersection of SR 40 and Palmer Rd. By doing this, we are at least attempting as a community to ensure the safety of our children and all our loved ones. One tragedy is one too many. Please consider our recommendation.