On April 14th, one of my biggest fears struck my family — my two-year-old son, my 11-year-old step daughter, and I were involved in an accident at the 54 overpass where Route B meets Highway 179. Our car was totaled and the other driver and myself were sent to the hospital by ambulance. We were fortunate; however, as we all walked away with minor injuries. Yet, the memories of that day are indelible. Our cars can be replaced, but we cannot replace a life. This event has compelled us to seek a simple, yet life-saving change. The culprit of our near-tragedy was a flashing yellow light, leaving the cross-traffic merge decision up to a driver in peak morning traffic. We urge the responsible authorities to swap these blinking yellow lights for solid green or red signals. This simple act would increase clarity and potentially save countless lives by reducing the probable accidents. NUMEROUS Wardsville/Jefferson City residents have reached out talking about how confusing and dangerous this particular intersection is. I am choosing to use this unfortunate incident for the betterment of our community and its citizens. 

According to the National Safety Council, an estimated 40,000 people lost their lives to car crashes in the United States in 2018, corresponding misuse of traffic signals being among the significant causes. No family should go through the fear and panic that the other driver, myself, and witnesses went through. Let's prevent future accidents at the 54 overpass at 179/Route B by changing these traffic light settings. Life is irreplaceable. Please sign this petition and support our appeal to increase road safety in our community. (National Safety Council, 2018, Traffic Safety Annual Report).