The day my son was nearly hit by a speeding driver who was more concerned with getting where she was going as fast as she could while texting, should have been a normal walk home. Instead, it became a traumatic reminder of how unsafe our roads have become. Crosswalks are supposed to offer protection, but without driver awareness, enforcement, and improved design, they become nothing more than faded paint on pavement. We must advocate for stronger protections, better infrastructure, and a shift in driver behavior. My 8-year-old son has autism, but was so confident in knowing how to cross the street safely and was ready to try it by himself, with his 3-year-old sister and me right behind him. He did everything right and was prepared to cross, but as soon as he went to take his first step into the street, a speeding driver nearly hit him. When she realized she had almost hit a small child, she immediately pulled over in the middle of the street. She threw her phone down to start yelling and cursing at us, like we were in the wrong here. There are many angry people with everything going on in our world today, but why should that be a reason to treat each other horribly? This used to be an amazing, safe, and proud town. I want it back, don't you? We are prepared to speak to local media, lawmakers, and city planners. I fear the future if we don't speak up and demand change; I fear the next child might not be so lucky. Respect for crosswalks should not be optional. It's a life-saving standard we must all uphold.
