Our hearts continue to ache from the tragic loss of my dear brother, LaVaughn, whose life was taken after being struck by a construction vehicle. No family should endure such a devastating loss, more importantly one that could have been prevented. LaVaughn was not just my brother; he was a cherished family member, a beloved friend, and a contributing member of our community. His life should not have been claimed. Every pedestrian in any community deserves to travel safely through and around construction zones without fear of preventable injury or loss of life. Our mission is to raise public awareness about the dangers associated with construction vehicles and active work sites while advocating for enhanced pedestrian protections, clearer work zone safety standards, and increased accountability. This accident has raised urgent questions about pedestrian safety around active construction projects, work zone planning, traffic control, contractor accountability, and the measures taken to protect the people who live and walk in our communities. 

• When contractors work in unfamiliar neighborhoods, are there enough safeguards in place?
• Are work zones designed with pedestrians in mind?
• Are speed management, visibility and public safety being prioritized as highly as completing the project?
• These are questions that deserve answers — not after another tragedy, but now.
• This isn’t about blaming one company or one driver.
• This is about improving the systems that are supposed to keep everyone safe.

As a community, we have a responsibility to protect those who traverse our streets on foot, whether they're commuting, exercising, or supporting local businesses. Each step taken should be safeguarded by stringent safety standards, particularly around construction zones where risks are heightened.

LaVaughn’s Law is an initiative aimed at strengthening pedestrian protections by mandating safer practices and instituting robust accountability measures in and around construction sites. In a country where, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrians accounted for 17% of all traffic fatalities in recent years, the urgency to act is not just evident, but imperative.

We are asking:
New York State legislators
Local and state elected officials
Department of transportation
OSHA leaders and OSHA 10/30 curriculum developers
Construction companies and contractors
Engineers, planners, labor unions, and safety professionals to join this conversation and examine what changes can prevent future tragedies.

By advocating for LaVaughn’s Law, we call upon our legislators to implement changes that will require construction companies to enhance their safety protocols and develop a culture of accountability. This can include the following objectives:

1. Mandatory reduced-speed enforcement around active construction sites in high-pedestrian areas.
2. Enhanced work zone safety plans whenever projects are in dense pedestrian corridors.
3. Additional training for contractors working outside their home communities, including onboard orientation to local traffic and pedestrian patterns.
4. Stronger pedestrian detours, signage, barriers, and flagging requirements.
5. A review of OSHA and transportation safety training to place greater emphasis on protecting pedestrians, not just workers.
6. A requirement that contractors bidding on public projects demonstrate a robust pedestrian safety plan before work begins.
7. Random spots inspections on construction vehicles and drivers. 

Our leaders possess the power to enact legislation that can prevent future tragedies like the one that robbed us of LaVaughn's life. By supporting this petition, you are joining a movement to champion safer streets, more secure work zones, and stronger protections for pedestrians in every community.

Please, sign this petition and stand with us to save lives and honor the legacy of those, like LaVaughn, whose lives motivate us to demand better. Together, let's ensure that walking through our neighborhoods is a safe, not a risky venture. Let’s act to protect our fellow citizens now.