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Stopping the speeders: Elkhart County community grassroots effort

May 23, 2012|By Colleen Ferreira (cferreira@wsbt.com), Click here to follow Colleen on Twitter | By Colleen Ferreira (cferreira@wsbt.com), Click here to follow Colleen on Twitter
WSBT-TV

Elkhart County — It's been one week since Da'Jeianna Smith was struck by a vehicle while walking along C.R. 108 in Elkhart County. She died a day later.

Now neighbors are stepping up to make sure an accident like this doesn't happen again.

"C.R. 108 has been treated like a drag race strip," said neighbor Sara Butler.

"I see people flying down here all the time," said neighbor Michelle Johnsen. "People need to take into consideration that this is a neighborhood." The neighborhood where Da'Jeianna and other youngstes ride bikes and walk home from school.

  • Elkhart County police said there are no indications reckless driving was a factor the Da'Jeianna's death.

Regardless, neighbors say enough is enough.

Johnsen crafted a sign to relay her message to every driver traveling this stretch of road.

"I started up a sign business two years ago, running it out of my house,” Johnsen said. “It's nothing elaborate or huge, but I thought it’s time to put my business to good use, for the greater good."

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The sign's a grassroots effort from the community.

"Either they're slowing down to read the sign, or being respectful to what's happened," said neighbor Joan Ivy.

The women have contacted the county for help, but said this effort goes beyond simple patrolling and ticketing. They want a long term solution.

Until their voices are heard, their plan is to flood the area with reminders area residents can buy and post.

'Definitely just slow down around C.R. 108," Johnsen said.

SIGN PROFITS AID DA'JEIANNA's FAMILY

Signs $10. Call Michelle Johnsen at 574-350-8578 to buy a sign or for more information.

 

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