My name, like many of you reading this, is deeply linked to Pemiscot County. This connection has been deepened tragically by the loss of my husband who was killed at work when a train struck him. There were no warning signs, no horn to alert him of the danger. It pains me to note that his was not an isolated incident. Several people have lost their lives at this exact spot due to reckless disregard for basic safety measures like signage and guard rails.

At this point, numerous families and communities have been permanently altered due to these preventable accidents. It's an atrocious omission in what should be the common practice of developing and maintaining safety measures in and around our railroads. In fact, according to the Federal Railroad Administration, approximately half of all railroad incidents occur at unprotected crossings, highlighting the vital need for these safety measures.

The grief and loss we are experiencing is not unique, nor isolated. This makes it all the more pressing for us, as a community, to demand the implementation of proper signage and guardrails at railroad crossings in Pemiscot County. We must ensure that this painful narrative doesn't have the chance to repeat itself. By raising our voices, we can compel local governments and railroad companies to prioritize the safety of our citizens.

We live in Pemiscot County. We care about our community. We must act now. Do not let the lack of appropriate safety measures claim any more lives. Join our cause and demand immediate change by signing this petition.