Residents of West Apache Lane in Lakeside, Arizona, are raising urgent concerns about traffic safety in their neighborhood, citing increased speeding and reckless driving as significant threats to their community. During a recent government meeting, a local resident presented a petition signed by 39 neighbors, highlighting the dangers posed by vehicles traveling at speeds of 40 to 50 miles per hour in a zone where the speed limit is set at 25 miles per hour.

The petition emphasizes that the rise in traffic is largely due to drivers using Apache Lane as a shortcut to access nearby stores, including Safeway and Ace Hardware on Highway 260. Residents reported that many vehicles disregard stop signs, particularly at the intersection of Claudia Lane and Apache Lane, exacerbating safety concerns for families, children, and pedestrians.

In response to these alarming trends, the petitioners are requesting a reduction of the speed limit to either 20 or 15 miles per hour. They referenced data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which indicates that speed-related crashes cost Americans over $40 billion annually. The residents are advocating for the implementation of effective traffic calming measures, such as speed bumps, regular police monitoring, and mobile photo radar, to enhance safety without obstructing access.

The resident who presented the petition shared personal stories from neighbors, including a mother of five who no longer allows her children to ride bikes in the area and elderly residents who walk daily. The community's plea underscores a collective desire for a safer environment where children can play freely without the fear of speeding vehicles.