Over 100 scholars at the Academy of Urban Scholars Youngstown are at risk if we remove the traffic light located at the critical junction of Market Street and Auburndale Ave. Many of these students rely on walking, public transportation, or being dropped off each day for their educational journey. The traffic light ensures that they can cross safely and securely on their way to and from school, providing parents and guardians with peace of mind.

Currently, the city of Youngstown is considering the removal of this vital traffic control, and that decision has the potential to endanger the safety of our students significantly. Traffic lights are not just simple regulatory devices; they serve as a crucial safety measure, especially in areas where children are present. This particular light plays a vital role in regulating the flow of traffic on a five lane highway to prevent accidents and ensure student safety during peak school hours.

Several studies highlight the importance of maintaining pedestrian safety around schools. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, fatalities and injuries are reduced by 50% in areas equipped with traffic lights and other pedestrian safety measures. For our community, removing this traffic light would not only increase the danger for young pedestrians but also disrupt the local traffic flow, leading to potential hazards for every road user.

Let's protect our children by taking a stand. Keeping this traffic light is a small yet significant step towards ensuring that every student remains safe as they access their education. Our children deserve to focus on their studies without the fear of hazardous crossings near their school.

I urge you to join in preserving this critical safety measure for our community's future. Sign the petition today to demand that Youngstown city officials keep the traffic light outside the Academy of Urban Scholars. Let’s ensure that student safety remains a priority for our city leaders.

WKBN Article