As a parent living in Derby, Kansas, after witnessing the daily chaos at the intersection of James and Woodlawn, where my son attends school, I am compelled to call for essential safety improvements. This intersection currently has a 4-way stop, yet it faces a significant amount of traffic, particularly during school hours. It is not just a minor inconvenience; it is a dangerous situation that demands immediate attention.

Each morning, cars line up as children and their parents attempt to navigate their way to school. Without a stoplight or designated pedestrian crosswalk, this crossing becomes a perilous adventure for the kids. Tragically, there have been multiple incidents of both children and parents being struck by cars while walking to school. This is not just a statistic; these are real families in our community that are suffering unnecessary harm.

The safety of our children should be our highest priority. Ensuring their safe passage to school is not only the duty of the parents and schools but also the responsibility of our local government. By installing a traffic light and a clearly marked crosswalk at the busy intersection of James and Woodlawn, we can significantly reduce the possibility of accidents and injuries.

Statistics reveal that intersections with proper signaling and pedestrian pathways see a drastic reduction in accidents. According to the Federal Highway Administration, roads with traffic lights have about 50% fewer accidents than those with stop signs alone. Data from cities that have made similar upgrades show improvements in both traffic flow and pedestrian safety.

Please sign this petition to urge the Derby City Council to prioritize the safety of our children and neighborhood. By taking this step, we can create a safer, more orderly environment for everyone. Let us come together as a community to protect our loved ones and prevent any further tragedies.