I am writing today with a heavy heart. My son became a tragic statistic - one of many who lost their lives on a certain road in Des Moines, IA where there is a lack of sufficient street lighting and sidewalks. He was hit by a vehicle in an area too shadowed to see clearly; an event that was not only devastating, but preventable.

My son, Joshua Laird was hit and killed on NW 2nd Street back in January 2024, walking on a street with very limited lighting, and no sidewalks... Just this week, another female by the name of Nyandiet Nathaniel Magang was also hit and killed at the same intersection as my son.  This exact intersection has heavy foot traffic and has for many many years! With it being the same intersection that my son was killed at, it is time for a change, and I believe the Iowa DOT needs to add sidewalks and better street lighting on that street. This is just one of many Des Moines streets that need better street lighting & or sidewalks, but this exact street really hits home for me, with my sons passing, as well as too see another Female that was hit on the same exact road, and pretty much the same spot. 

What makes this all the more tragic is that there are countless areas just like this throughout Des Moines, areas that have a painfully high occurrence of similar incidents due to a lack of proper lighting and pedestrian space. It has been estimated that over 20% of pedestrian fatalities occur in dark, unlit areas and that around 10% of them could be prevented by having properly illuminated and well-designed pedestrian paths.

We have the power to change this. By adding street lights and constructing sidewalks in the high-risk areas of Des Moines, we can reduce these chances of fatal accidents significantly. It's a solution that not only improves visibility for drivers, but provides pedestrians a safe place to walk whatever the hour. It's a simple solution that could save lives.

Today, I implore you, not just as a grieving parent, but as a concerned citizen of Des Moines, to support this petition. By signing, you are advocating for a safer community, and helping prevent any more unnecessary losses. Sign the petition to implement street lights and build sidewalks in the Des Moines Metro. Help us ensure no other parents have to go through the pain of losing a child due to a preventable tragedy. Economic and societal benefits will follow from these changes. But most importantly, lives will be saved. Please, sign today.

I have provided the KCCI link as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzZhLU0XnC8