On July 11, 2026, my world was irrevocably changed. My younger brother, Travis Barconey, was killed in a senseless hit-and-run accident along the 4800 block of Scenic Highway. The driver, who recklessly disregarded human life, sped away from the scene, leaving Travis without the chance for life-saving help. The pain of losing him has been compounded by a justice system that does not adequately penalize fatal hit-and-run drivers.

Currently, the bail set for drivers involved in fatal hit-and-runs is inexplicably low. This leniency undermines the severity of their actions and disregards the value of the lives lost, like Travis's. In most cases, a low bail allows these individuals to walk free and potentially commit further offenses, while families like mine are left grappling with grief and loss.

Statistics indicate that hit-and-run incidents have been rising across the United States. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, there were over 737,000 hit-and-run crashes in 2025, a number that continues to climb. Of those, many result in tragic fatalities, which should be treated with the utmost seriousness by our judicial system.

We demand that lawmakers enact stricter regulations and increase the minimum bail amount for drivers involved in fatal hit-and-runs. A higher bail not only communicates the seriousness of the crime but also acts as a deterrent against potential offenders. It is imperative that we send a clear message that this kind of reckless and harmful behavior will not be tolerated.

By signing this petition, you will be joining me in calling for a change in the law to introduce a maximum bail requirement that reflects the severity of the crime. Let's ensure that justice is served for victims like Travis, and that their lives are not disregarded in our justice system. Please sign this petition to demand stronger measures for fatal hit-and-run drivers, and help prevent further tragedies.