The safety of travelers on US 43 from Creola, AL to Mt. Vernon, AL is of paramount importance. This stretch of road has been the site of numerous fatal accidents and countless traffic mishaps, deeply affecting our community and neighbors. With every journey on this road, there lies the constant fear and possibility of another tragedy, another family grieving the loss of a loved one. Addressing this grave issue is not just a necessity, but a moral obligation to protect everyone who travels on this route. 

The current setup with standard turning crossovers poses significant risks. Vehicles attempting to turn left are often placed in direct conflict with high-speed traffic coming from the opposite direction. This dangerous configuration has unfortunately contributed to the high incidence of fatalities and serious accidents. To improve safety, merging turning lanes should be added to replace the existing turning crossovers. Merging turning lanes allow vehicles to safely be removed from the flow of traffic, significantly reducing the threat of high-speed collisions and helping to prevent accidents before they occur.  Merge turning lanes off of US43 will allow significant changes in the blocking of high speed traffic in same directions also.

Statistics indicate the urgent need for change. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 2.5 million people are involved in roadway intersection crashes annually in the U.S., resulting in significant numbers of injuries and fatalities. Implementing safer road designs, such as merging turning lanes, can reduce these numbers significantly.

Moreover, studies suggest that merging turning lanes provide not only enhanced safety but also improved traffic flow. Given the heavy usage of US 43, a vital corridor for industrial, residential, commercial, and emergency vehicles, ensuring smoother traffic conditions benefits everyone. This change will also alleviate congestion, minimizing delays, and contributing to economic efficiency for local businesses that depend on this thoroughfare.

We urge the Alabama Department of Transportation and relevant local government officials to prioritize this urgent need. By investing in the construction of merge turning lanes from Creola to Bucks, we can prevent further heartache and tragedy. Let's make US 43 safer for everyone.

Your support in signing this petition will help us press for necessary changes to road safety on US 43. Together, we can advocate for the safety and well-being of our community. Please sign this petition to bring about essential improvements and save lives.