According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speed-related crashes account for nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities in the United States. Furthermore, a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that speed humps can reduce vehicle speeds by up to 22%.

Our neighborhood has become a popular shortcut for drivers looking to avoid congested main roads. As a result, many drivers are speeding through residential streets without regard for pedestrians or other vehicles.

We have witnessed numerous close calls and near-misses involving children playing outside or walking home from school. We fear that it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed.

Installing speed humps would not only slow down traffic but also serve as a visual reminder to drivers that they are entering a residential area where caution must be exercised.

As tax paying residents of the 700 block of Mason Avenue, Drexel Hill (Delaware County) we are highly alarmed of the non-existent “traffic calming measures” that have had a negligible effect on excessive speeding causing severe and unsafe issues for those living on the the block as well as for other pedestrians walking through the block with their families, pets, and means to attend their public and private local school.

In reality, the school district buses, delivery vans, FedEx trucks, UPS Trucks, Amazon vans, motorcycles, and a variety of other vehicles have totally DISREGARDED the signage posted on State Road/Mason Avenue and Highland Avenue/Mason Avenue.  These signs alert drivers: 

• Speed Limit 15 MPH
• Deaf Child in Area
• Handicap Person Area.  

Over the years, more families are moving into Drexel Hill and it is becoming more populated than ever before. Unfortunately, while population grows traffic and congestion is on the rise.  Many drivers are avoiding the traffic light on Edmonds and State Road by racing through the 700 Block of Mason Avenue with impunity! 

The effects of the speeding are that residential homes are vibrating throughout the day and night with a major increase in the noise pollution. But more importantly, with the increase number of children residing/using the 700 block of Mason to walk to their local public and private schools or playing outside it is becoming extremely dangerous more than ever for them.  Motorists are no longer stopping at the stop signs at Highland and Mason Avenue, ramping their speeds in excess of over 45 mph, and disregarding the right away of pedestrians. 

Residents have described the ensuing effects as akin to earth tremors with: 

• radiators, doors, and household items rattling;
• windows creaking; and
• the feeling of a train passing by your home. 

Residents have experienced sleep disruption; cracks in properties, conversations being drowned out; and a negative impact on our health and social wellbeing. 

To make matters worse, the 15mph posted speed limit sign is currently unmonitored and therefore ineffective: despite the limited number of Upper Darby Patrolman that work very hard to keep speeders at bay.  They cannot do it alone. So, why not help them in a cost effective way?

The 700 block of Mason Avenue is experiencing significant traffic flow, including vehicles that more frequently exceed the speed limit. This poses a serious risk to the safety of our children and other pedestrians during school hours and beyond. We firmly believe that installing two sets of speed humps (permanent or portable) on the 700 Block of Mason Avenue will serve as an effective traffic-calming measure to address these concerns and enhance the overall safety of the area.  We need to be proactive before something terrible happens.  
 
We kindly request that you consider the following points supporting our petition:
 
Safety:
Permanent or Portable Speed humps will compel drivers to reduce their speed, creating a safer environment for our children, pedestrians, noise pollution, and erosion of our properties through the speeding causing tremors in our homes.
 
Traffic Regulation: 
Speed humps will assist in enforcing the posted speed limit and promote compliance with traffic regulations, reducing the likelihood of accidents. In addition, with the limited number of Upper Darby Police Officers, speed humps will help protect and serve the safety and common good in a cost effective manner.
 
Pedestrian Safety: 
By slowing down vehicles, speed humps will provide a safer crossing environment for students and pedestrians, encouraging active transportation and reducing potential risks. Moreover, the safety for residents that have disabilities on the block are indicated by street signage but speed humps will insure traffic to decrease their outrageous speeds in a residential area.
 
Community Support: 
Our petition has garnered significant support from long time tax paying residents, parents, teachers, community leaders, local residents and other citizens outside our community who share the common goal of prioritizing the safety and well-being of our children.
 
We kindly request that you prioritize the evaluation and implementation of speed humps on the 700 Block of Mason Avenue. We are willing to provide any necessary assistance, whether it be through volunteering, fundraising efforts, identifying captains to install and remove portable speed humps to avoid any damage to snow plows, or actively participating in discussions to ensure the successful installation of this safety measure. 
 
We firmly believe that by working collaboratively, we can make a positive difference and create a safer environment for our community, but most importantly, our children. We eagerly anticipate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to your favorable response.
 
Thank you for your understanding and support.