I have received a lot of email after my rather pointed email(s) to several of you concerning my frustration over the worsening speeding problem on North Chadwick. Most (like 99%) of the replies were very favorable and understanding but a couple were cold and indicting as though I were the bad guy. Given that, an explanation of my passion to control selfish, careless driving (speeding is a selfish action) is in order.
First, I lost my oldest son and namesake to a needless traffic accident. He died in the prime of life at age 42, He was a very successful attorney who took many "pro bono" cases as a child advocate and the champion of the working class citizen.
Prior to that, my oldest daughter was injured badly in a head-on collision which was the fault of a speeding, drunk driver. There was a needless death in that accident.
Prior to that, I had been hit head on by a speeding, careless driver on a February1st of 1972 and hospitalized until a May 17th. Hit by a speeder on the wrong side of a divided highwat. Unfortunately, he died.
About a month ago, Mayor Odom-Groh was nearly hit near the southern intersection of Dorchester and North Chadwick by a speeder driving north on North Chadwick.
In the past few days my wife was nearly run down by a speeder who apparently never even saw her.
Who is next?
It's not acceptable to just say, "everybody speeds," and let it go at that. Speed kills, and most of the victims are innocent people minding their own business when their life is snuffed out. Speeding is against the law. What good are laws if the are not enforced? We can not expect around the clock police presence on this street. The single solitary item that can deter speeders is a speed hump and enough of them properly spaced. Yes, we already have speed humps. No, there are not enough and they're not properly spaced. The first words that came out of a responding police officer this week was that we need another speed hump closer to Shelbyville Road. Enough said.
Therefore, I do not apologize for the passion of my efforts to get something done about the speeding problem on the street where I live. I do not apologize for not understanding the excuses given to not take swift action. Yes, as Reba says, we need enforcement, enforcement of all of the laws. But unfortunately, the 8th LMPD District is spread thin over a wide area. We, as the citizens, are going to have to help ourselves and help LMPD help us. We need an active Neighborhood Watch to keep ourselves, our homes, and our valuables safe. We need to be more alert and call 911 when there is suspicious activity on our streets. We need to put a speed hump closer to Shelbyville Road. And, if the residents at the other end of North Chadwick need one, we need to put one there too. We need to get along and enjoy this nice neighborhood together and do the things that will make us all safe and secure in and around our homes.
Thanks to all of the many of you who understand and support my passion.
John
