This petition is touched by personal tragedy. My father's long-term girlfriend and our beloved family dog, Dude, left us tragically when they were hit by a car on Route 20 in a business area. The sidewalks weren't clear due to snowfall, forcing them onto the dangerous road. Clearing the sidewalks from snow shouldn't have been their responsibility, but rather that of the city or township.

An AAA study reveals that nearly 2,000 road deaths every winter can be attributed to snowy, slushy, or icy pavement. Our primary aim through this petition is to make our cities and townships assume responsibility for removing snow from roads with speeds exceeding 25 mph. This is not just about making our roads safer, but also about preventing the same heartbreaking loss that my family and so many others have endured. By ensuring roads and sidewalks are clear, we can create a safer environment for both pedestrians and motorists.

To prevent future tragedies and keep our roads safe, it's high time that urban and residential areas come under a mandatory snow removal policy. Let's make this change for the sake of everyone's safety. We invite you to lend your support to this cause — please sign this petition.