Having been an educator for six years and a parent of a student attending school on Porter Road for seven years, I am deeply concerned about the safety of our children and the community. Over these years, I have heard numerous stories of crashes and injuries on Porter Road that haunt our community members daily. It is time for us to take proactive measures to ensure the safety of not only the students but also all pedestrians and drivers using this road.

Porter Road is a vital artery for school traffic, and it is high time we acknowledge the dangers that lurk on this thoroughfare. The 45 mph speed limit along this stretch does not align with the 35 mph speed limit south of Adams.  Given that all schools should be equally safe and the frequent presence of young children and parents is the same if not higher north of Adams, it is time we rectify this imbalance. Lowering the speed limit is a low-cost, and swift measure that city officials can take to address this danger.

There is ample evidence that reducing speed limits and instituting school zones significantly decrease the likelihood of accidents, making roads safer for everyone. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, when a car is traveling at 20 mph, the likelihood of a pedestrian being severely injured in a collision is reduced by 80% compared to when a vehicle is traveling at 40 mph. These statistics demonstrate the profound impact that speed reduction can have on improving safety outcomes.

Moreover, implementing potential peripheral school zones would involve installing clear signage, which not only alerts/reminds drivers about the presence of a school but also compels them to slow down, particularly during school hours. The cost and time required for these changes are negligible when weighed against the safety and well-being of our children and community members. 

Let's urge the Maricopa city officials to prioritize the safety of our children and community by lowering the speed limit on Porter Road. These measures are an investment in our community's future, one where parents can send their children to school without the constant worry of road accidents.

Please join me in petitioning the Maricopa city officials to make Porter Road a safer place for everyone. Sign the petition to implore those in power to act now, before tragedy strikes. Together, we can make a tangible difference in our community.