On September 22nd, 2022, my son, Austin Gage Hunnewell Foden, fell victim to a tragic accident that could have been prevented. A distracted driver struck and killed him on a road with no street lights or sidewalks, leaving our community in mourning and demanding change.

Lake County, Florida, is a rapidly growing area with an increasing number of pedestrians and cyclists using our roads. Yet, many of these roads lack essential safety features, putting lives at risk every day. The absence of street lighting, sidewalks, and pedestrian crossings in critical areas makes walking or cycling a daunting task filled with danger.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that pedestrian fatalities have risen by 44% over the past decade. Many of these incidents occur on roads without proper lighting or sidewalks. In Lake County alone, there have been numerous reports of near misses and accidents involving pedestrians, highlighting an urgent need for action.

We are calling upon the Lake County officials and the Florida Department of Transportation to prioritize pedestrian safety by implementing effective measures. These should include installing street lighting, creating pedestrian walkways and crossings, and launching awareness campaigns focused on distracted driving and pedestrian safety.

Implementing these changes will not only honor the memory of Austin but also protect countless others from needless harm. It is imperative that we as a community come together to prevent more tragedies and make our roads safer for everyone.

Please join us in urging the authorities to act. Sign this petition to demand safer roads for pedestrians in Lake County.