On August 31, 2025, my beloved daughter Melody was tragically killed by a drunk driver at just 21 years old. She was a devoted mother, a loving sister, and a talented cosmetologist who brought joy and inspiration to everyone she encountered. Her untimely death left a void that can never be filled and a community in mourning.

To honor Melody's legacy and raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving, I am petitioning Baltimore County to designate the roadway location where she lost her life as “Melody L. Bass Way.” Melody's vibrant spirit continues to touch everyone who hears her story, and this roadway designation would serve as a perpetual reminder to drive safely and act responsibly on the roads.

Impaired driving remains a significant cause of fatalities on our roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2023 alone, nearly 30% of all traffic-related deaths in the United States were attributed to drunk driving. This staggering statistic highlights the urgent need for continued public awareness and education to prevent further tragedies.

Preliminary data reported that total traffic fatalities in Maryland fell to 480, down from 582 in 2024.  Historically, impaired driving involving alcohol and/or drugs has accounted for about one-third of roadway deaths in Maryland. That means far too many lives continue to be stolen because of reckless and preventable choices.

While every reduction matters, those numbers are more than statistics to families like mine. Behind every number is a name, a face, a future, and loved ones left devastated forever. Unfortunately, my daughter, Melody, was included in the number of Maryland traffic fatalities in 2025 because of an impaired drunk driver.

I am now “Melody’s voice”…asking humbly for everyone to help. I need family, friends, Maryland representatives to help fight for accountability, for stronger prevention, for Mel’s son “BET”, and for every family who should never have to experience this kind of pain.

By naming this stretch of road in Melody’s honor, we can create a lasting tribute that not only commemorates her life but also acts as a visual reminder of the catastrophic consequences of driving under the influence. Moreover, as an actionable step towards safety improvement, I urge the local authorities to add enhanced lighting to this area. This initiative would significantly improve visibility for drivers at night, potentially saving lives by reducing future accidents.

I kindly ask you to support this cause by signing this petition to enshrine Melody’s legacy, promote road safety, and help bring positive change to our community. Together, we can make a difference and honor Melody by preventing further tragedies. Please sign and share this petition to encourage Baltimore County to embrace this meaningful commemoration.