Last Friday night, I experienced a traumatic event that nearly cost me my life. I was involved in a severe car accident on the highway near the Manhattan Regional Airport. The darkness of the highway made it impossible to see clearly, and I cannot help but think that if there had been adequate lighting, perhaps this accident could have been avoided.

The absence of street lights along this stretch of road is a danger not only to drivers but also to pedestrians who may be navigating the area. It's crucial to improve safety measures to prevent further tragedies and protect our community members. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 50% of all traffic fatalities occur at nighttime, although only 25% of travel occurs during these hours. The risk is evident when roads are poorly illuminated.

We urge the city of Manhattan to take immediate action by installing street lights along the highway by the airport. This small change can have a significant impact on the safety and well-being of everyone using this vital passage.

Installing these lights will not only enhance visibility but also provide peace of mind for residents, travelers, and visitors to our city. Properly lit roads help prevent accidents by improving reaction times for drivers and making pedestrians more visible. In our rapidly developing city, such infrastructure improvement is necessary to keep up with the growing traffic demands and ensure safety for all.

Please join me in calling on the city of Manhattan to prioritize this critical safety measure. Sign this petition to make our roads safer now.