Protect Our Students and Families: Improve Safety at Route 10 and 700

Protect Our Students and Families: Improve Safety at Route 10 and 700

Recent signers:
Tessa DeKock and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

The intersection of Route 10 and 700 near Calvary Assembly of God, The Connection Center, & Anytime Fitness has become a growing safety concern for families, students, church attendees, gym members, and community members who travel through this area.

 

This intersection carries a significant amount of traffic, and with the addition of The Connection Center, traffic volume has increased. Drivers attempting to turn left or cross Route 10 often have limited time to safely judge oncoming traffic, creating a dangerous situation, especially for newer and less experienced drivers.

 

Every Wednesday evening throughout the school year, youth group at Calvary Assembly of God brings additional student drivers and families into this area. Many of these drivers are teenagers or newer drivers who are placed in a vulnerable position when trying to cross or turn onto Route 10 during busy traffic times. In addition, regular church services on Sundays also increase traffic at this intersection as families and community members enter and leave the church.

 

On Wednesday evening, May 6, 2026, my two sons and my cousin’s two boys were involved in a serious accident at this intersection after leaving youth group. Thankfully, no lives were lost, but all four boys sustained injuries. Three of the four suffered concussions, my son sustained significant seatbelt-related injuries, and my cousin’s son suffered deep and extensive cuts to his face and ear.

 

This accident could have ended very differently. We are asking for action before another family experiences a similar or more devastating event. A traffic safety review and improvements such as a four-way stop, flashing red light, traffic signal, reduced speed limit, additional warning signage, or improved visibility could help prevent future accidents and protect our community.

1,574

Recent signers:
Tessa DeKock and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

The intersection of Route 10 and 700 near Calvary Assembly of God, The Connection Center, & Anytime Fitness has become a growing safety concern for families, students, church attendees, gym members, and community members who travel through this area.

 

This intersection carries a significant amount of traffic, and with the addition of The Connection Center, traffic volume has increased. Drivers attempting to turn left or cross Route 10 often have limited time to safely judge oncoming traffic, creating a dangerous situation, especially for newer and less experienced drivers.

 

Every Wednesday evening throughout the school year, youth group at Calvary Assembly of God brings additional student drivers and families into this area. Many of these drivers are teenagers or newer drivers who are placed in a vulnerable position when trying to cross or turn onto Route 10 during busy traffic times. In addition, regular church services on Sundays also increase traffic at this intersection as families and community members enter and leave the church.

 

On Wednesday evening, May 6, 2026, my two sons and my cousin’s two boys were involved in a serious accident at this intersection after leaving youth group. Thankfully, no lives were lost, but all four boys sustained injuries. Three of the four suffered concussions, my son sustained significant seatbelt-related injuries, and my cousin’s son suffered deep and extensive cuts to his face and ear.

 

This accident could have ended very differently. We are asking for action before another family experiences a similar or more devastating event. A traffic safety review and improvements such as a four-way stop, flashing red light, traffic signal, reduced speed limit, additional warning signage, or improved visibility could help prevent future accidents and protect our community.

The Decision Makers

Jasper County Commission
3 Members
1 Responded
Rein Bontreger
Jasper County Commission - District 3
You will need to contact the Indiana Dept of Transportation (INDOT) to effect significant changes at this intersection. They have the ultimate authority of traffic at this location. The county is currently conducting an overall safety study of our county roads and intersections. Thank you, Rein Bontreger, Commissioner [Note: The Change.org Civic Engagement Team reaches out to decision makers to let them know about petitions in their community and to help facilitate engagement with supporters. The above was an email response we received regarding this petition.]
Craig Standish
Jasper County Commission - District 2
Ryan Hilton
Jasper County Commission - District 1

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