Prevent More Tragedies at Roswell Rd & Laurel Forest Circle

Recent signers:
Nikki Dement and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

The intersection of Roswell Road and Laurel Forest Circle NE in Buckhead is extremely dangerous. On Saturday, September 13th, a fatal traffic accident occurred at this corner — a tragedy that many parents, neighbors, and community members have long feared.

This intersection is home to Open Arms Lutheran Child Development Center of Buckhead, where young children, parents, and staff cross and turn daily. Making a left or right turn from the daycare is hazardous due to poor visibility and heavy traffic, and the risks are constant.

The situation is made worse by the bus stop at this corner, which has virtually no safe waiting area. Staff and community members are often forced to stand on a dirt hill just feet from speeding cars. This is unacceptable and puts lives in danger every day.

We, the undersigned, call on Councilmembers Mary Norwood and Howard Shook, the Atlanta Fatal Crash Review Commission, and MARTA to take immediate action to improve safety at this intersection. At a minimum, this should include:

  • Installing a visibility mirror to improve sightlines for drivers turning from Laurel Forest Circle.
  • Conducting a comprehensive traffic safety study of this intersection and implementing additional measures such as improved signage, traffic calming, and pedestrian protections.
  • Providing a safe, accessible bus stop platform so riders are not forced to stand in dangerous conditions.

Every day that passes without action puts children, families, and community members at risk. We urge city leaders to act now before another tragedy occurs. 

Links to recent media coverage: Atlanta News First, WSB-TV, Rough Draft Atlanta.

Please continue to share the petition with friends, family, and neighbors. We are NOT asking for donations on this site - only signatures matter - to keep the pressure on and ensure meaningful action is taken as soon as possible. If you're interested in donating, please consider the GoFundMe started by the family of Benjamin Reiser to honor him.

4,920

Recent signers:
Nikki Dement and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

The intersection of Roswell Road and Laurel Forest Circle NE in Buckhead is extremely dangerous. On Saturday, September 13th, a fatal traffic accident occurred at this corner — a tragedy that many parents, neighbors, and community members have long feared.

This intersection is home to Open Arms Lutheran Child Development Center of Buckhead, where young children, parents, and staff cross and turn daily. Making a left or right turn from the daycare is hazardous due to poor visibility and heavy traffic, and the risks are constant.

The situation is made worse by the bus stop at this corner, which has virtually no safe waiting area. Staff and community members are often forced to stand on a dirt hill just feet from speeding cars. This is unacceptable and puts lives in danger every day.

We, the undersigned, call on Councilmembers Mary Norwood and Howard Shook, the Atlanta Fatal Crash Review Commission, and MARTA to take immediate action to improve safety at this intersection. At a minimum, this should include:

  • Installing a visibility mirror to improve sightlines for drivers turning from Laurel Forest Circle.
  • Conducting a comprehensive traffic safety study of this intersection and implementing additional measures such as improved signage, traffic calming, and pedestrian protections.
  • Providing a safe, accessible bus stop platform so riders are not forced to stand in dangerous conditions.

Every day that passes without action puts children, families, and community members at risk. We urge city leaders to act now before another tragedy occurs. 

Links to recent media coverage: Atlanta News First, WSB-TV, Rough Draft Atlanta.

Please continue to share the petition with friends, family, and neighbors. We are NOT asking for donations on this site - only signatures matter - to keep the pressure on and ensure meaningful action is taken as soon as possible. If you're interested in donating, please consider the GoFundMe started by the family of Benjamin Reiser to honor him.

Support now

4,920


The Decision Makers

Howard Shook
Former Atlanta City Council - District 7
Responded
I am painfully aware of the terrible tragedy and have seen the resulting petition. Mary Norwood (Laurel Forest Circle is in her district; Roswell Rd divides our districts) have had multiple conversations about how to best (and most swiftly) enhance the safety of all who use the intersection. We certainly intend to thoroughly evaluate all of the requested issues, which means convening a discussion involving APD, MARTA, the Atlanta Dept of Transportation, and the Georgia Department of Transportation. Roswell Rd being a State Route, any modifications would have to be approved by them. We have requested historical accident data and await the findings of this specific accident analysis as that information should be very helpful. Thank you, Howard Shook Office of Councilperson Howard Shook Council District 7 Atlanta City Hall Suite 2900 55 Trinity Avenue SW Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 330-6050
Andre Dickens
Atlanta City Mayor
Atlanta City Council
2 Members
Mary Norwood
Atlanta City Council - District 8
Dustin Hillis
Atlanta City Council - District 9

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Petition created on September 15, 2025