Memorial Street Sign Program Honors Danielle Chronister
On Thursday, June 27th, we – in partnership with the City of Cleveland, took part in the unveiling of a new Memorial Street Signage Program that memorializes people killed in traffic crashes on Cleveland’s streets. These memorial signs not only honor the individuals who have tragically lost their lives but also raise awareness about the epidemic of traffic violence that affects our streets daily. While we wish this program didn’t have to exist, it serves as a powerful reminder of the lives lost and the urgent need for change.
This first sign honors CMSD teacher Danielle Chronister who was struck and killed on November 3rd, 2021. Her life ended at the intersection of E. 21st Street and Chester Avenue by a truck driver who failed to yield to her in the crosswalk as she walked to work just a few blocks from her home.
“Danielle’s death is a horror from which we’ll never fully heal,” said Ben, Chronister’s widowed husband. “We aim to honor her memory by raising awareness and pushing for safer drivers and streets so other families don’t have to experience this same trauma.”
If you are interested in having a sign placed in honor, you can apply to the program here. Approved signage will be installed by the City at no cost to the applicant.
As advocates, we have seen the cumulative losses in this city – losses that are NOT trending in the right direction. We need leaders and decision-makers at all levels of government to implement physical changes to our streets to calm traffic and save lives. There are dozens of proven safety measures at our disposal to make street design safer – ways to improve street crossings, bike lanes, intersections in this city by forcing cars to slow down. We are thrilled to see things like speed tables and new crosswalks trickle out, but we need bold and rapid action to meet our goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways by 2032. We urge all community members to join us in advocating for these changes and demand the City take more rapid action at https://p2a.co/jMgT92M
Another way to get engaged is through our new Northeast Ohio Families for Safe Streets Chapter. Families for Safe Streets works to confront the preventable epidemic of traffic violence, advocate for life-saving changes, as well as support those whose lives have been impacted by crashes. We encourage people to join other families in remembering loved ones, seeking healing, and advocating for change by getting involved as soon as they are ready.
