9-year-old boy helps get crosswalk, traffic lights on dangerous street

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AZFamily/Gray News)– A 9-year-old from Arizona is making a name for himself in his city.

William Miller was determined to make the streets of Goodyear safer.

He said he and his grandma take a lot of walks near their home.

But one day, while his grandma was out, she was nearly hit by a car.

“I was scared. I love my grandma. I don’t want anything to happen to her,” William said.

William said he sees a lot of street racing in the area because there are no traffic lights around.

So, after his grandma’s scary encounter, the 9-year-old petitioned the city council to install new safety features.

The city heard William’s concerns and installed a new crosswalk and traffic light.

“[My grandma] has the courage now to walk down the street because there’s a crosswalk and a traffic light,” William said.

It’s now been two months since the changes were made, and William said the amount of street racing has gone down.

“I really believe I can make a difference,” he said.

William encourages other kids to speak up about problems they’re facing and to make changes.

He’s now looking toward the future, saying he wants to become mayor or president.

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