My wife and I have been hit not once, but twice in broad daylight while using the crosswalk on OLD WINSTON Rd-OAKVIEW Rd, behind the Walmart on N. Main St. in High Point, NC. Both times, the drivers didn’t even stop; they sped off in hit-and-run incidents, leaving us bruised and shaken, albeit with minor cuts and scrapes. We were incredibly lucky, but this area is near Oakview Elementary School and remains perilous and could lead to much more serious accidents in the future if action isn’t taken.

This particular crosswalk is frequented by children, families, and community members daily. Its proximity to Oakview Elementary School means many children use it during their commutes. The absence of a safety camera not only endangers pedestrians but also emboldens reckless drivers who disregard the law, turning a blind eye to the safety of others.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 6,000 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in the U.S. in 2019, with countless others injured. Adding a safety camera at this critical crosswalk could serve as a crucial deterrent to traffic violations, providing both evidence in the case of accidents and encouraging drivers to obey traffic laws.

Local police and city officials have the power to make our streets safer for everyone, especially for the most vulnerable like children and elderly pedestrians. By installing a safety camera at this crosswalk, we can drastically reduce the risk of accidents and enhance the safety of the entire community.

We need your support to urge the City of High Point to take immediate action. Let's not wait for another accident to occur before we take steps to ensure the safety of our streets. Sign this petition and advocate for the installation of a safety camera at the crosswalk behind Walmart on N. Main St. to protect our community.

sincerely,

JOSHUA D. YODER, TRACY M. NETHERCOTT