*GALION RESIDENTS ONLY*

Within the last couple of years, the traffic light on the West Church and North Union street intersection was removed, seemingly due to the old High School's removal, and for driver convenience. There are now stop signs on Union Street, but not on West Church street. This absence of a 4-way stop makes this intersection more dangerous.

April 27th of this year, my 4-year-old niece Adrianah was hit by a car in the intersection. She and her siblings had been playing in the vacant field and were on their way home, which is just catty-corner. Adrianah let go of her sister's hand and ran across without looking when the accident occurred. Since then my nieces, nephew, their mother, and their friends have all been affected by the stress of witnessing the accident, and are now more nervous to play outside (or to let the kids play outside).

If the driver hadn't been paying as much attention or hadn't had such quick reaction time, my niece could have been severely hurt. And while it's extremely important to teach our kids road safety and responsibility, they make mistakes. 20+ children live or play in that area regularly, and potentially even more will be crossing the roads on the way to or from school. Anything that can be done to make our kids safer, should be done. Although a stoplight might not be necessary, making it a 4-way stop could prevent another accident like Adrianah's. 

If you are a Galion resident, please sign this petition to make our City Council aware of our concerns, and the emphasis on the safety of our children.

Additionally, if you have been in or witnessed an accident on this intersection, feel free to comment your experience.