What will it take to make intersection safe?

On the corner of Bent and Illinois streets in Elgin, two stop signs exist - both on Bent Street. Pace, school buses, fire engines, ambulances and 1,500 to 2,200 cars come to these signs daily. Of course, fire and ambulances, sirens wailing, have right of way. But here is the problem: We have 20 to 30 cars a day that seem to be color blind. We have had six accidents, and too many near misses. Many of us have been witness to this, and I have rushed out in panic to help and call 911. I have brought this to the attention of police, and while they agree we should have a four-way stop, the only way to get it done is to pester the city if we wish to see a change.

This area is filled with children who ride bikes and chase balls. Bent is used as a shortcut between Route 25, Liberty, and Villa. A pregnant woman was smashed by a hit-and-run stop-sign runner, pushed 50 feet over the curb and nearly into a tree.

Perhaps it will take a dead child before this is seen as a good enough reason to do what is right, and get the city to justify spending the money. Heck, I'll donate some cash. What's one missed mortgage payment, even if I am on disability, to see a potentially deadly situation fixed?

I pray that this is seen as important. I hope I don't go off the deep end, get a can of orange spray paint and, in the dead of night, dressed in black, imprint "STOP" on each corner. Jail? Worth it to me.

Molly A. Patton

Elgin