I am writing this petition with a heavy heart, fueled by personal experiences and a deep concern for the safety of our children and community. Just last year, I myself have been a victim of a hit-and-run incident. It was a terrifying experience that I am fortunate to have survived. Unfortunately,  this is not an isolated case – just a weeks ago, a 12-year-old girl from our community was struck by a driver while using the crosswalk near her school. Gratefully, she is recovering well, but this is a wake-up call: our streets need to be safer.

In St. Clair Shores, we see daily examples of drivers failing to yield or even slow down for crossing guards, police officers, and most importantly, our children. This disregard for the rules not only endangers pedestrians but threatens the very fabric of our community's safety.

The current pedestrian crosswalks, especially those near schools, are inadequately illuminated, lacking essential safety features that could deter reckless driving and protect our young ones. Without action, we are leaving our children and fellow citizens vulnerable to preventable accidents and injuries.

To address this urgent need, we propose the city of St. Clair Shores invests in comprehensive safety upgrades to these crosswalks. This includes:

1. **Enhanced Lighting:** Install bright, energy-efficient lights at all crosswalks to improve visibility for both pedestrians and drivers, especially during early morning and late evening hours.
2. **Flashing Beacons:** Integrate user-activated flashing beacons that alert drivers when someone is about to cross, drawing immediate attention to the crosswalk.
3. **Flashing Beacons and Speed Reduction Signs.** Implement clear, bold signage that notifies and reminds drivers to reduce speed. , particularly in school zones. These signs flash to indicate when a lower speed limit is in effect, such as when children are present. 
4. **Increased Enforcement:** Strengthen local law enforcement presence during school hours to ensure drivers adhere to speed limits and crosswalk laws.

Implementing these measures will not only reduce the risk of accidents but also foster a sense of security for every member of our community. Our children deserve the right to walk safely to and from school without fear of harm.

I am calling on the local government, the school board, and the residents of St. Clair Shores to prioritize the safety of our crosswalks. Let us come together to protect our community and ensure that no more children or adults suffer from preventable accidents.

Please sign this petition to urge the City Council of St. Clair Shores to take immediate action. Your signature could be the catalyst for change that saves lives. Thank you for your support and commitment to a safer community.