Lexington is addressing a pressing public safety issue after a string of pedestrian fatalities in 2023, including the recent tragic death of bartender Mia Ibrahim. The fatal incident occurred on December 15, 2023, when a driver ran a red light at the intersection of Nicholasville Road and Rosemont Garden, striking Ibrahim as she walked in a crosswalk. This marked one of 20 pedestrian fatalities recorded in the city this year.
On what would have been Ibrahim’s 34th birthday, community activists implemented a week-long initiative to monitor drivers who ignore red lights. Approximately 42 volunteers, including members from local running groups, took part in this effort at 24 high-traffic intersections across the city. The initiative aimed to collect data that would highlight the severity of the problem, with volunteers representing 10 of the state’s 12 council districts.
Emma Curtis, a candidate for the Lexington City Council, joined the initiative early in the week, monitoring her assigned intersection at Nicholasville and Reynolds roads. In just one hour, Curtis recorded an alarming rate of 148 vehicles running red lights, highlighting the pervasive nature of the issue. “It’s galling,” she stated. “Witnessing the behavior firsthand emphasizes the urgent need for action.”
The findings were extensive, revealing that three intersections averaged over 100 red light runners per hour, underscoring the critical need for enhanced enforcement and safety measures. The data suggests a collective recklessness among drivers, with some intersections showing up to 142 violations each hour.
Local public safety advocates, including Jason Schubert from Frontrunners Lexington, who also knew Ibrahim, expressed shock but not surprise at the statistics. “This is a public safety issue that affects all residents — whether they are a pedestrian or a driver,” Schubert said, emphasizing the call for comprehensive solutions to curb the dangerous trend.
Next steps proposed by the advocacy groups include targeted funding for law enforcement, improved signage at intersections, adjustments to traffic light timings, and continuous educational programs for drivers. Moreover, there are hopes to explore legislation for automated traffic enforcement measures, such as red light cameras, to hold violators accountable.
As the community reflects on the loss of Mia Ibrahim and the growing number of pedestrian deaths, advocates remain determined to enact meaningful changes to safeguard the streets of Lexington for pedestrians and drivers alike.
