Family's call for traffic changes finally answered

The city of Jacksonville will be installing new traffic measures at the intersection of Barnes and Kennerly in Engelwood after a home there suffers multiple crashes in just a few months.

The traffic operations department has reevaluated the intersection and will install a “Stop Ahead” sign on Barnes Rd. and also install “rumble strips” at the existing “Stop” sign at Barnes and Kennerly.

This weekend an Engelwood family relived a horriblie nightmarter after a driver plowed their fence Saturday night, nearly crashing into their home. Thankfully no one was hurt in the accident and the driver was arrested. However, the crash did dredge up some painful memories and emotions for the family that owns the house. Just a few months ago a car ran into the home, killing a 17-year-old sleeping inside.

"August 28th, when someone plowed through my yard, through my house and took the life of my daughter," says Gerald Jackson.

In August, 17-year-old JaNay Jackson died when Ismet Sijamhodzic, 51, plowed through a concrete barrier her father had built in front of her bedroom and crashed into their home.  JaNay was taken to the hospital where she later died.

More than half a year later, Gerald Jackson says the wounds are still fresh and this incident is like throwing salt on them.

"Physically we're OK.  Physically we're OK.  This is definitely an emotional setback," Gerald Jackson tells our partner Action News.

Jackson says he hopes drivers will hold themselves accountable and be more careful.

"What would have to happen is people change their attitudes and their attitudes would have to be changed to where they would have a respect and a regard for others lives as well as their own."