Install a 4-way stop or stop lights for dangerous intersection of Highway 40 and 128
The Issue
On August 23, 2026, a devastating accident occurred at the intersection of Highway 40 and Highway 128, between St. Elmo and Altamont, Illinois. In a split second, my two older children, their four siblings, their father, and stepmother were involved in a horrific crash. Their Yukon was T-boned and violently rolled over, an incident that should have been entirely preventable. The sound of sirens quickly filled the air as two helicopters and three ambulances rushed to the scene, but the damage to our blended family had already been done.
The intersection of Highway 40 and 128 is notorious for its dangers. This wasn't the first accident there, and without intervention, it certainly won't be the last. Too many lives have been put at risk, and it’s time to take action to ensure the safety of all who travel this route. We propose the installation of a 4-way stop to effectively control traffic and prevent future accidents. Numerous studies indicate that the implementation of 4-way stops or stop lights at hazardous intersections can reduce the occurrence of crashes by up to 70%. By introducing stop signs or stop lights, we can slow traffic down and offer drivers a clear indication of who has the right of way, vastly improving safety at this perilous junction.
Moreover, those who commute via this intersection every day are all too aware of the anxieties and near-misses they experience. According to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation, this location has a higher-than-average incident rate, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue before more lives are put at risk.
By signing this petition, you are advocating for a necessary change that will protect your community and loved ones. Each signature sends a powerful message to local authorities that the current conditions are unacceptable and that immediate action must be taken to prevent further tragedies.
Let's come together and turn this personal tragedy into a rallying cry for change. Your support can make a difference. Please sign this petition to urge our City Council, Public Works Department, and relevant authorities to make the installation of a 4-way stop at the intersection of Highway 40 and 128 a priority. Together, we can safeguard our roads and protect our families from avoidable accidents.
262
The Issue
On August 23, 2026, a devastating accident occurred at the intersection of Highway 40 and Highway 128, between St. Elmo and Altamont, Illinois. In a split second, my two older children, their four siblings, their father, and stepmother were involved in a horrific crash. Their Yukon was T-boned and violently rolled over, an incident that should have been entirely preventable. The sound of sirens quickly filled the air as two helicopters and three ambulances rushed to the scene, but the damage to our blended family had already been done.
The intersection of Highway 40 and 128 is notorious for its dangers. This wasn't the first accident there, and without intervention, it certainly won't be the last. Too many lives have been put at risk, and it’s time to take action to ensure the safety of all who travel this route. We propose the installation of a 4-way stop to effectively control traffic and prevent future accidents. Numerous studies indicate that the implementation of 4-way stops or stop lights at hazardous intersections can reduce the occurrence of crashes by up to 70%. By introducing stop signs or stop lights, we can slow traffic down and offer drivers a clear indication of who has the right of way, vastly improving safety at this perilous junction.
Moreover, those who commute via this intersection every day are all too aware of the anxieties and near-misses they experience. According to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation, this location has a higher-than-average incident rate, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue before more lives are put at risk.
By signing this petition, you are advocating for a necessary change that will protect your community and loved ones. Each signature sends a powerful message to local authorities that the current conditions are unacceptable and that immediate action must be taken to prevent further tragedies.
Let's come together and turn this personal tragedy into a rallying cry for change. Your support can make a difference. Please sign this petition to urge our City Council, Public Works Department, and relevant authorities to make the installation of a 4-way stop at the intersection of Highway 40 and 128 a priority. Together, we can safeguard our roads and protect our families from avoidable accidents.
Supporter Voices
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on August 26, 2026