In the tranquil community of Tucson, AZ, tragedy struck when 7-year-old Nevaeh Cañez lost her life to a reckless speeder, potentially under the influence. As a mother, it is in my nature to strive for change in memory of a child when their own mother is overwhelmed by heartache. This petition seeks to honor Nevaeh's memory by calling for immediate action to install a crosswalk on Mission Road before 36th Street, ensuring the safety of our most vulnerable—our children.

Every day, children like Nevaeh navigate busy streets to reach their school buses. Many areas, such as our own, lack the necessary safety infrastructure, such as crosswalks and traffic lights, which are crucial in preventing further tragedies. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian fatalities have been on the rise, with over 6,000 reported in 2019 alone. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for better protective measures in high-traffic areas, particularly near schools and bus stops.

To safeguard our community's children, we propose the installation of a clearly marked crosswalk with accompanying traffic lights on Mission Road. This measure will not only slow down traffic but also provide a designated safe crossing point for children and pedestrians. In addition, we urge local authorities to intensify enforcement against speeders and drivers under the influence, regardless of the type of DUI.

Our call to action is driven by the unbearable loss felt by Nevaeh's mother, siblings, nana, and family. We believe that by creating safer transportation routes for our children, we honor Nevaeh’s memory and prevent future heartaches. Let us stand together as a community to demand change now.

Please sign this petition to urge the Tucson City Council and relevant authorities to act swiftly and implement these essential safety measures. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that Nevaeh's tragic loss was not in vain.