On a quiet day in Gurley, Alabama, tragedy struck when two beloved members of our community, Keegan Davis and McKinley Davis, lost their lives at an unguarded railway crossing on Salty Bottom Road and Highway 72. This heartbreaking event has left an indelible mark on our town, one that compels us to take action to prevent such a tragedy from occurring again.

The crossing at Salty Bottom Road and Highway 72 is perilous, lacking the necessary safety measures that could warn vehicles about approaching trains. With no flashing lights, gates, or warning signs, drivers are left vulnerable, unable to know whether a train is approaching until it’s too late. This oversight has cost us dearly, and it's vital to ensure it does not happen to another family.

Our community of Gurley is intertwined with the railway system, which supports local industries and goods transport, but it should not come at the cost of safety. It's well within our capabilities to implement safety mechanisms that can prevent further loss of life on our roads.

We urge the Alabama Department of Transportation and relevant railway authorities to prioritize the installation of an automatic railroad crossing complete with lights and barriers to ensure the safety of every driver and pedestrian who uses this route. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, approximately 211 accidents occur annually at unprotected crossings in the U.S., leading to unnecessary fatalities and injuries that could be prevented with proper warning systems.

By signing this petition, you will be standing up for the safety and well-being of our community. You’ll be sending a strong message to local authorities that we need immediate action to adopt measures that will guarantee safe passage over these tracks. Let us honor the memory of Keegan and McKinley by taking the steps necessary to protect future travelers on this road.

Please sign this petition today to demand change and save lives in Gurley, AL.