Recently, my daughter was involved in a terrifying accident at the intersection of Mitchell Road and Mount Baker Highway in Deming, WA. By some miracle, neither she nor the other young driver was seriously harmed, but both vehicles were totaled. Unfortunately, my good friend's daughter was not as lucky—she was killed in an accident at this very same intersection. This is a high-speed road with too many inexperienced and new drivers, and these incidents could have been prevented had there been a traffic light.

This intersection is a hotspot for dangerous accidents, not just for my family but for many others in the community. Every day, parents, students, and commuters navigate this treacherous crossing. The absence of a traffic light creates unpredictable and hazardous conditions for drivers trying to merge onto or cross over the busy Mount Baker Highway.

Data from the Washington State Department of Transportation shows that intersections with traffic lights significantly reduce the number of accidents and fatalities. Installing a traffic signal at this intersection could prevent future tragedies and provide safe passage for all residents in Deming and those traveling through the area.

Traffic lights improve visibility and manage flow effectively, reducing the risk of accidents, especially on roads with higher speed limits and multiple lanes of fast-moving traffic. A traffic signal could serve as a critical intervention to provide necessary regulation of this busy crossing for young and old drivers alike.

As concerned citizens and residents of the Mount Baker School District, we must act now to petition the Washington State Department of Transportation to take immediate action and install traffic lights at the intersection of Mitchell Road and Mount Baker Highway. Help us protect our community's future and ensure the safety of our loved ones by signing this petition. Let's prevent further senseless loss of life and create a safer road environment for everyone. Please add your signature to voice your support for this essential safety measure.