Too many people are getting hit by cars while walking in Fort Worth, and in many cases they're children. City leaders met with the community for a street safety forum Thursday evening to find ways to reduce the dangers.
The Federal Highway Administration considers Fort Worth a focus city because one in four traffic deaths in Fort Worth involves a pedestrian. There's been an even worse spike just recently, including a young boy injured in a collision Wednesday.
NBC 5 talked to several parents who say it's time to start taking this seriously.
"She has been a trooper," said Emily Muckleroy, whose 5-year-old daughter, Caroline, is recovering from a hit-and-run collision.
Caroline was thrown about 25 feet and has a broken leg, ruptured spleen and a fractured skull.
"We know it was an accident, we know they were just going too fast and I just wish they would have stopped so we could have walked this healing together," Muckleroy said.
It's one in a string of recent cases of children hit by cars in Fort Worth. Seven-year-old Aja Hill was killed in another hit-and-run in March while riding her scooter.
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And on Wednesday, a 9-year-old boy was hit, breaking his leg, while he crossed Meadowbrook Drive.
Retired firefighter Marc Marshall came to help.
"I immediately thought of all our efforts in trying to get a stop sign put up there," Marshall said.
He's one of several neighbors who've been calling the city for help to slow down Meadowbrook traffic.
"There are so many children that live in this area," Marshall said. "We're just concerned that somebody was going to get hit. Of course, yesterday, our fears came true."
It's a worrying trend all over Fort Worth, and while neighbors push the city for stop signs or speed bumps, parents who've seen the worst have a message for everyone.
"Drive on the road like as though your kids are on it," Muckleroy said.
Authorities say part of the problem may be how quickly Fort Worth is growing. There's lots of construction and more congestion on the roads.
They're hoping a widespread public education campaign to put down the distractions and pay attention on the road will make a big difference.
