HOWELL – Following reports from a concerned citizen of Howell, new traffic signs have been added alongside Western Drive with the intention of increasing drivers’ awareness of their surroundings.
Chelsea Cella, a mother of a child with severe autism, spoke at a recent council meeting with concern of what she called a ‘deadly traffic issue’ on Western Drive.
“My child can run at any point into the street, and I just consistently watch people that pass her school bus [in their cars],” she said. “People ignore us standing there.”
She also spoke of a speed study that was conducted on her road, which estimated some vehicles reaching over 65 mph in their commute.
Cella’s daughter has a rare genetic mutation which causes her to face behaviors similar to children with autism and ADHD, along with behaviors similar to people with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
According to her public comment at the meeting, Cella has been living in Howell Township for twelve years and was promised police presence on her road to control the negligence and speeding of drivers, but has not seen them.
Along with concern for her own daughter, Cella spoke about fear she was experiencing for two other disabled children and family pets that live on Western Drive because of the excessive speeding.
“If something isn’t done with this street, there is going to be a dead child or a dead person. I am begging you to do something about it,” Cella said.
Joe Clark, Howell Township manager, reassured Cella he would make speaking with the police and the traffic division his top priority the morning following the council meeting.
Days later, the Traffic Safety Unit of the police department analyzed and considered the facts of Cella’s statements and installed traffic signs stating “Autistic Child.”
“After consideration of the facts and the unique circumstances surrounding the homeowner’s situation, Public Works installed two ‘Autistic Child’ signs on Western Drive to increase awareness,” Matthew Howard, Director of Community Development, told The Howell Times. “Howell PD has also committed to heightened monitoring of Western Drive, especially during peak travel times, with the understanding that there are many roads in the area with similar complaints that are also being monitored.”
The signs were put up on the morning of November 15.
The street signs serve as a reminder of awareness and respect for the residents of Howell Township and are encouraging safe driving for all drivers. There were no further comments regarding the speed study or other residents of Western Drive.
