Title: Urgent Call for Enhanced Safety Measures in School Zones and Residential Areas of Maywood, Illinois 

To whom it may concern:

I am writing to draw attention to a distressing incident that occurred on 5/10/24 near Proviso East High School, at the intersection of 1st Avenue and Madison. At around 2:45-3:00pm, my sons, students at the school, along with other witnesses, witnessed a fellow student being struck by a moving red vehicle while attempting to cross the street. Shockingly, the driver failed to stop after the collision, resulting in a traumatic situation where the injured student's body rolled under another vehicle, causing panic and disbelief among onlookers.

The extent of the student's injuries remains unknown, and the incident was not adequately reported to the community. It is crucial to shed light on such tragic events to raise awareness and ensure the safety of children in our community. Additionally, students who witnessed this distressing incident should be offered trauma counseling to help them cope with the experience.

I have attached photographs to highlight the insufficient signage near the school. Despite being located on three major streets, Proviso East High School lacks crossing guards or aides to assist students in safely crossing the busy roads. Many students, including my own, have expressed concerns about the lack of safety measures and the fear they experience when navigating these hazardous streets.

The current road signage indicating the school zone is inadequate and barely visible to pedestrians and drivers alike. As a taxpayer and a mother of children who walk to school, I urge for an immediate improvement in signage and safety measures in our community.

In a previous communication to the village regarding a separate incident on 9th Avenue in Maywood, I emphasized the need for enhanced safety measures. While I appreciate the responses from Maywood Village Manager Jim Krischke and Chief Willis of the Maywood Police Department, there has been limited progress in addressing safety concerns in our neighborhood. Reckless driving behavior continues to endanger the lives of residents, including children, elderly individuals, and pets.

Ensuring that every school zone is a safe environment for children is paramount, and the disregard for safety by drivers in our community is unacceptable. As a concerned parent, I demand immediate action to safeguard our children and residents. Implementing speed cameras, speed bumps, crossing guards, and clearly marked crosswalks are essential steps to hold drivers accountable and enhance safety in our community.

I urge you to give this matter the attention it deserves and emphasize the urgency of addressing safety concerns to protect our community members. Our safety should be the top priority for all relevant political organizations. It is vital that we feel secure when crossing the streets, with minimal concerns. Immediate action is necessary to prevent further harm or tragedy.

Warm regards,

Shakila B.