My son, Charles Matthew Brewer (affectionately called Matt) lost his life after sustaining injuries in an auto accident. The accident occurred on March 15, 2022 inside the Caldwell County School Zone. Matt was traveling to his senior band concert as a percussionist for the Caldwell County Band of Pride.  He suffered a fatal aortic rupture after a direct impact accident with another motorist in the school zone. Matt would not have suffered such severe trauma had he been struck at a lower speed. Matt likely would have survived.

Caldwell County Schools are situated on Highway 91, a major thoroughfare from I-69 to the cities of Fredonia and Marion. The speed limit is raised to 55 mph just immediately before the school zone. You have read this correctly-this highway INCREASES speed as you enter the school zone. I would like to see this speed lowered throughout the school zone by extending the lower speed limit to just past the intersection of Beckner Lane.

Speed limits temporarily lower to 35 during peak drop off/pick up times in the early morning and late afternoon as school begins and dismisses. This suggests that state highway officials agree that caution should be exercised in order to protect our children and their families. However, the school zone remains at 55 for the rest of the day.  The temporary decrease in speed does not cover times that students may be tardy; AM departure/PM arrival of Pre-K buses and students; extracurricular activities such as sports practices, school camps, band/choir/drama practices and concerts; sporting events, parent teacher conferences as well as the arrival and departure of students bussed to the Caldwell Regional Career Center from neighboring school systems. Additionally, as in my sons case, newly licensed, inexperienced drivers frequently travel to and from the high school for varying extracurricular activities.

I raised my concerns to Governor Beshear’s office as well as State Representative Walker Thomas and my issue was referred to the KY Department of Transportation who conducted a speed study of the area and determined that 55 is a safe speed. I feel strongly this is not safe as evidenced by the multiple accidents in the area in recent years. In addition to my sons fatal accident, I am aware of at least 2 other serious accidents involving Caldwell County High School students in the past 2 years.  We as a community need to come together and request that our leadership make the necessary speed changes in order to keep our children safe. Please sign this petition so that no other parent has to bury their child for simply going to school. Thank you.