Every day, I walk to school on S 19th Street in Mount Vernon, Illinois. It's a route that takes me past the middle school, and it should feel safe. However, it’s nothing less than a hazardous journey without any stop signs to protect students and pedestrians like me. The lack of stop signs means I'm constantly on edge, waiting to see if a car will stop. Drivers frequently don’t use their turn signals, making it hard to predict their next move. Their dark windshields often obscure any acknowledgment or signals for me to cross, increasing the risk of accidents. This isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a daily safety hazard that needs urgent attention. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian fatalities are on the rise, showing an increase of over 50% in the last decade. This alarming statistically underscores the importance of implementing traffic control measures in vulnerable areas like school zones. Installing stop signs could dramatically improve safety by ensuring that vehicles slow down and stop, allowing pedestrians to cross safely. It would also provide a clear traffic flow, reducing confusion and potential collisions between drivers and pedestrians. I urge the Mount Vernon City Council to prioritize the installation of stop signs on S 19th Street. This simple measure could prevent accidents and potentially save lives of students and residents who use this route daily. Please join me in calling for this crucial safety improvement by signing this petition. Let's work together to make S 19th Street a safe path for everyone.