Recent events have brought attention to the urgent need for increased child safety measures in the Fairmount neighborhood of Woonsocket, Rhode Island. Just yesterday, a concerning incident unfolded when a three-year-old child was struck by a car on the streets of Mason and Fairmount. As members of this community, we are deeply troubled by this incident and determined to prevent future tragedies.

Fairmount is a vibrant neighborhood where children frequently walk, bike, and play. However, the current safety measures are insufficient to protect our youngest residents. To ensure the well-being of our children, it is critical to act swiftly and decisively.

We are calling on the State of Rhode Island and the City of Woonsocket to implement a series of safety enhancements in our neighborhood. These should include, but not be limited to, installing additional crosswalks in high-traffic areas, implementing speed bumps to slow down traffic, increasing the presence of traffic signage indicating school and play zones, and enhancing street lighting to improve visibility.

Moreover, launching community awareness programs about traffic safety can help foster a culture of caution and responsibility among drivers and pedestrians alike. These measures are not only reasonable but necessary to prevent further accidents, and they are essential to securing a safe environment for our children.

Backed by data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which highlights that areas with comprehensive traffic calming measures see a significant reduction in pedestrian accidents, we urge our local lawmakers to prioritize these changes. The safety of our community, especially its children, must always come first.

Join us in our mission to create a safer Fairmount for all. Please add your signature to this petition and urge our leaders to take immediate action. Together, we can make a lasting difference in ensuring our children can grow up in a safe and secure environment.