Every day, Orchard Lake Road in Keego Harbor, Michigan becomes a potential hazard for students and residents alike. This vital stretch of road serves as a thoroughfare for three schools and supports three busy school bus routes, with six bus stops operating daily. Despite the presence of flashing red lights on school buses, traffic often does not come to a halt, placing our children and community at risk. I am a resident, deeply concerned for the safety of our children as they board the bus under precarious conditions.

The absence of a designated pedestrian crosswalk exacerbates the situation, making it difficult for pedestrians to cross safely in general. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveal that pedestrian fatalities account for 17% of all traffic-related deaths, a staggering and eye-opening figure. In Michigan alone, pedestrian fatalities have remained stubbornly high, emphasizing the urgent need for infrastructure improvements on roads like Orchard Lake.

By installing a crosswalk on Orchard Lake Road, we can provide a safe passage for our children and other pedestrians, ensuring drivers are more aware of the need to stop. Communities across the United States have implemented successful crosswalk installations, which have significantly reduced pedestrian-related accidents and fatalities. Research shows that well-marked crosswalks and pedestrian signals increase pedestrian safety by 30%.

This is not just about convenience; it's about protecting our youth and ensuring peace of mind for parents and guardians. Our children deserve safe access to their educational institutions, and it's imperative for city officials in Keego Harbor to take immediate action. We call upon the city council to prioritize the installation of a crosswalk at Orchard Lake Road. Together, we can transform this road into a safer passage for everyone.

Please join us in this important initiative to safeguard our community's well-being. By signing this petition, you are lending your voice to a cause that values the protection and safety of our citizens, especially our most vulnerable - the children. Sign now to demand action on installing a crosswalk on Orchard Lake Road.