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HERRIMAN — Racing motorcycles plowed into a crowded neighborhood street party in Herriman three years ago and nearly killed a toddler. Tuesday, in the same neighborhood, a racing car ended up in a yard.
Police say the 16-year-old driver of the Crown Victoria that crashed was racing down Ashland Ridge Drive with two other cars. The driver admitted to police he was racing when he blew through a flashing stop sign and crashed into Troy Palmer's lawn Tuesday evening
"They just are here to have fun. They get amped up at the lake, they forget what they're doing, and do things that are not very smart." Troy Palmer, Herriman resident
"The grass can be repaired, and luckily nobody was hurt," Palmer told KSL News Wednesday evening..
He said he's been fighting speeding on Emmeline Drive more than five years and fears for the safety of his 3-year-old and others. "I don't want to come out and see one of these kids hit by a car," he said.
Palmer's neighbor Teresa Evans took photos of the accident. She says the teens involved acted like it was a joke.
"Someone could have been seriously hurt," Evans said. "And I remember thinking there was no sadness. It was high-fiving, laughing and taking pictures."
Palmer thinks traffic is getting worse. The Black Ridge Reservoir above the neighborhood is now a cool spot in hot weather.
"They just are here to have fun. They get amped up at the lake, they forget what they're doing, and do things that are not very smart," Palmer said.
In June 2008, an 8-month-old was injured when the baby's stroller was hit by a bullet bike. Dylan Stroud, 3 years old at the time, suffered a broken leg.
- Date:Wednesday, August 3
Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Juniper Point Pavilion, located near 14600 S River Chase Road in Herriman
The neighbors wanted speed bumps, new signs, anything to slow traffic. "It's not been a proactive response, and that's the frustrating part," Palmer said.
The city added a stop sign after the motorcycle crash, and administrators say they will work with residents to do more.
"We can't dictate how someone choses to drive behind a vehicle, but there are certainly things that we have done, and that we're willing to do, to make that area as safe as possible," said Nicole Martin, spokeswoman for Herriman City.
While still allowing people to enjoy the reservoir, Palmer simply wants a safer neighborhood. "It's just frustrating to live on this street; and the problem still goes on day in and day out," he said.
Some Herriman residents are going to City Council meeting Thursday to voice their concerns.
Herriman City also holding a brainstorming session on Aug. 3 to gather more input from the neighborhood. That meeting will be held at the Juniper Point Pavilion from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Email: jboal@ksl.com