My daughter Bridget was a vibrant young woman— a fiancée, a devoted mother of three beautiful children, and a respected business owner in our close-knit community in Minerva, Ohio. Her life was tragically and senselessly taken when a tree, weakened by rot and damage, fell onto her car on a state route. In an instant, a family was shattered, and a community was left to grieve the loss of a beloved friend, neighbor, and leader.

In the aftermath of this tragedy, I realized that Bridget's death could have been prevented. Our state routes and highways should be safe for travel, yet many areas remain hazardous due to insufficient maintenance of surrounding trees. Countless trees stand dangerously close to these roads, and when they are damaged or rotten, they pose a severe threat to every person traveling nearby.

This petition calls for the introduction of "Bridget's Law" to ensure safer road travel across Ohio. I urge the state, cities, and townships to take responsibility for maintaining the safety of state routes and highways by extending the clear zone up to 75 feet from the road, and rigorously inspecting trees for any signs of damage or decay.

According to the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, clear zones play a crucial role in reducing fatalities and serious injuries. By maintaining a buffer zone around our roadways, we can significantly decrease the likelihood of accidents caused by falling trees and improve the overall safety of our transportation infrastructure.

Implementing rigorous inspection and maintenance protocols can help prevent tragedies like the one that took Bridget from us. With appropriate action, we can protect other families from the heartbreak that my family and our community have endured.

I implore you to join me in advocating for safer roads across Ohio. Let Bridget's legacy be one of safety and action. Please sign this petition to urge lawmakers to pass "Bridget's Law," demanding regular safety inspections and extended clear zones along state routes and highways. Together, we can make our roads safer for everyone and honor Bridget’s memory with a commitment to protect all travelers.