By Christy Pearce, Community Planner, NWMO Regional Council of Governments
“Sorry, I didn’t understand what was happening with the road.” My 16-year-old had driven to a place on Main that was completely familiar to me, but foreign to her. The road curves, and if you aren’t
looking for it, you end up in a turn lane when you meant to continue straight.
It’s not the easiest place to navigate the first time through, and thankfully that moment of confusion didn’t result in a crash. But at that moment, neither one of us felt particularly safe. When I shared the story with friends later, I found out they knew exactly the place I was talking about, and they didn’t feel safe there either.
Those shared experiences matter more than we often realize.
Opinions Are Like Potholes – Sharing Them Is Where Solutions Begin
The safest streets we use every day probably don’t feel special at all. We don’t usually notice lane widths, curb placement, signage, or sight distance, but these details are carefully planned with safety at the top of the list. So how does a road go from “something feels off here” to an actual improvement project?
A lot goes into deciding which roads get attention: crash data, traffic volumes, funding opportunities, engineering standards, and long-term planning goals. But one of the most powerful catalysts is public experience.
Moments like the one I shared with confusing intersections, near misses, or uncomfortable crossings are where change begins. When people speak up, patterns emerge. And those patterns help planners and engineers focus limited resources where they can make the biggest difference.
If we don't share our personal stories and experiences, our feedback can’t lead to change, but today you have a chance to do just that.
What’s Your Story? Safe Streets for All Start with YOU
Right now, the Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments is working on a Safe Streets for All (SS4A) project focused on reducing crashes, serious injuries and fatalities for everyone who uses our transportation system: drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and passengers alike. The best part is that you don’t have to have an engineering degree to help shape this plan, just your lived experience.
· Where do you feel unsafe driving, walking, or biking?
· Are there intersections you avoid?
· Are there places where signage is confusing or crossings feel rushed?
· Fill in your specific observation here. (Or better yet, take that over to our survey!)
Share those insights directly by dropping a pin on our interactive map at our website, https://www.nwmorcog.org/, and telling us what you see, feel, and experience. Your input helps us turn individual stories into data-driven solutions, and ultimately into safer roads for all.
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