| Updated: 12/31/2012 9:09 am |
Published: 12/28/2012 10:56 pm
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In 2012, there have been 22 hit-and-run accidents on Cherry Street, one of the most popular areas in Tulsa.
Cherry Street is the stretch of 15th street from Peoria to Utica.
The most recent victim, 80-year-old JoAnn Carlson, of a hit-and-run died on Saturday. Now, her family is asking for more to be done to protect pedestrians.
"It's been the toughest thing in my life,” said her daughter, Margaret Carlson.
She fought through the tears to tell FOX23 she'll miss traveling most with her mother.
"I was just always looking forward to that next trip."
Carlson was hit and killed by a driver on Cherry Street on December 15th while walking to Hideaway Pizza. It was a place she visited often.
Now, Margaret and her sisters are looking forward to seeing changes here on Cherry Street to make sure what happened to her mother doesn't happen to anyone else.
“It makes me very sad that people aren't thinking about pedestrians," said Thea Carlson.
The City of Tulsa told FOX23 they will be installing 18 to 20 LED street lights on Cherry Street that will light up the street and sidewalk for more visibility. The city and PSO will split the cost of the $8,500 project.
But Carlson’s daughters say more can be done.
"We think the crosswalks need to be painted brightly. Not faded the way they are, a light, a flashing light that says 25 miles per hour," said Thea Carlson.
There are signs posted about the speed limit in the area but the family says at night it can be hard to see.
"I know we can't change other people's behavior but we can raise awareness," Thea told FOX23.
Police believe the car that hit Carlson was a white or silver sedan with nice tires and rims. If you have any information you are asked to call Crimestoppers at 918-596-COPS.
