Every day as I drop off and pick up my children from school, I am reminded of the urgent need for enhanced safety measures on the roads around Heide Trask High School and Cape Fear Elementary/Middle School in Rocky Point. A simple commute has turned into a risky endeavor due to the absence of traffic lights that could otherwise ensure smoother and safer transitions for families and commuters alike.

Recently, a traffic light was installed at HWY 117 and Ashton Rd—a place which, though important, still doesn't address our community’s most pressing safety concern. While Pender County's intentions to improve traffic flow are appreciated, it seems that the intersection crying out for attention has been overlooked. The area in front of Heide Trask High School and Cape Fear Elementary/Middle is in dire need of a traffic light to facilitate the safe entrance and exit for our children and the hundreds of families who make similar trips every day.

Consider these troubling statistics: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a pedestrian is killed every 88 minutes in traffic crashes. These statistics underscore the dangers posed by high-traffic areas without adequate safety measures. Our community should not be a part of these statistics—especially when a viable solution lies within our grasp.

By installing a traffic light at this critical juncture, we can substantially decrease the risk of accidents and ensure a safe passage for children and families traveling to and from school. Traffic lights are proven to improve the visibility of crosswalks, manage traffic flow better, and reduce the likelihood of collisions, particularly in school zones where the presence of children makes safety paramount.

This is not just about convenience; it’s about safety for our children, peace of mind for parents, and a smoother commute for everyone in the vicinity. With your support, we can urge the local authorities to prioritize the safety of our school community by installing traffic lights at the entrance to Heide Trask High School and Cape Fear Elementary/Middle School.

Please join me in this critical effort to protect our community's children and families. Sign this petition to demand immediate action from our local officials to install much-needed traffic lights at these vital locations.