I am a resident of the community of Needham, MA. It is with a heavy heart that I recall the tragic incident where we lost a student to a severe car crash on Forest Street. This unfortunate event could have been prevented if our street was better equipped with proper lighting and sidewalks.

Forest Street has become increasingly dangerous for both drivers and pedestrians due to inadequate lighting and the absence of sidewalks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that approximately 75% of pedestrian fatalities occur in dark conditions (NHTSA). Moreover, streets without sidewalks are 2.5 times more likely to have pedestrian crashes than those with sidewalks on both sides (FHWA).

Our community deserves safer roads. We need streetlights to illuminate our paths during the night, reducing the risk of accidents significantly. Sidewalks are equally important as they provide a safe space for pedestrians, away from moving vehicles.

By installing streetlights and constructing sidewalks along Forest Street, we can prevent future tragedies while ensuring safety for all residents - drivers and pedestrians alike.

Let's make our neighborhood safer together! Please sign this petition urging local authorities in Needham, MA to add streetlights and build sidewalks on Forest Street immediately.