Every morning, I am filled with dread seeing cars whizz past at 45 miles per hour. With no school zone sign in sight and crosswalks consistently blocked by traffic, the danger is clear and present. As parents in the area, we entrust our schools with more than just our children's education; we expect them to be safe environments. Yet, without the proper safety measures, our children are at risk of serious harm just trying to walk into their school building. It's not a question of if but when a tragic accident could occur.

In 2019, nearly 2,000 children between the ages of 5 and 15 were injured in pedestrian accidents during school travel hours, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports. School zones, with reduced speed limits, are proven to dramatically lower risk. Studies demonstrate a decrease of nearly 25% in child pedestrian incidents in areas with clearly marked school zones and proper enforcement. It is imperative that we heed these statistics and act before any of our children become a part of these heartbreaking numbers.

We need dedicated school zone signs, lower speed limits, and clear markings that allow drivers to be fully aware when entering these zones. By implementing these safety measures, we can help ensure that our children can walk to and from school without fear. It is our responsibility to provide safe environments for our children wherever they go, and their journey to school should be no exception.

If we work together to advocate for these changes, our voices can create a safer environment and bring peace of mind to countless families. The time to act is now before another close call turns into a tragedy. Please sign this petition to urge local government and school officials to take immediate action and install a school zone with the necessary safety measures. Our children's lives may depend on it.