My little brother Joseph was in a head-on collision with a deer once driving through north Mississippi, which resulted in his car being totaled. The situation could have ended tragically, but fortunately, Joseph escaped with no injuries. However, not everyone may be as lucky. 

Every year, tens of thousands of wildlife-vehicle collisions occur across the United States, and a significant number of these happen on our busy interstates. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there are approximately 1.5 million deer-vehicle collisions in the U.S. each year, causing over $1 billion in vehicle damage, approximately 200 human fatalities, and countless injuries. Mississippi's roads are no exception to this alarming trend.

A proven solution to this problem is the construction of wildlife land bridges. These structures have been implemented successfully in multiple states, including Florida and Texas, where they've drastically reduced the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions. In fact, studies have shown a reduction in collisions by up to 90% in areas where these crossings are used.

Building a land bridge across the interstate in Biloxi will create a safe passage for wildlife and significantly reduce the risk of them wandering onto roads. This will not only protect our local wildlife but also ensure the safety of drivers and passengers.

We're calling on the Mississippi Department of Transportation and local policymakers to prioritize funding for the construction of a land bridge on Biloxi's interstate. By investing in this sustainable and effective infrastructure, we can safeguard both our natural environment and our loved ones traveling on these roads.

Please join us in this crucial initiative. Sign this petition to urge our state and local leaders to take necessary action in making our roads safer for everyone, including our wildlife. Together, we can make a difference.