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How did it happen?

It sounds like something out of a movie, but for the Langhors, it’s a recurring nightmare. Of the 18 crashes so far, some have shattered windows, others have sent vehicles through their concrete wall. In one case, a car plowed into their dining room while they were sitting there with their kids.

They no longer feel safe in their own home and don’t even sleep in their primary bedroom, worried a car might crash through the wall in the middle of the night.

“Driving down the road, you can see the problem. All of a sudden, you hit a near-90-degree turn. And if you miss it, you end up right in their backyard,” reporter Steven Nielsen told Fox 10.

Although the speed limit is 25 mph, drivers often go much faster.

“It’s sad when you’re not feeling safe in your own home,” said Melissa Langhor.

After a particularly bad crash in 2021, Melissa spoke at a Surprise City commissioners meeting, but nothing changed. Then, just last month, a truck crashed through their wall, stopping just feet from where she was sitting.

“We have PTSD,” she told News 2.

After that crash, city staff showed up — not to talk safety, but to make sure the wall was repaired and painted to match neighbourhood guidelines.

“That’s what the city was concerned about — the color matching,” Langhor said.

Instead of repainting, the couple turned the wall into a sign calling for change. Since then, the mayor has vowed to address the issue, starting with improved speed signs and traffic studies.

“I hope he keeps his promise,” Melissa Langhor said.

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How to make a neighborhood feel safe again

After this many crashes, it’s clear something needs to change — and not just for the Langhors.

Down the street, the city is taking action. After the Langhors put up their sign, officials installed concrete barriers along the road to protect the homes. Drivers may still speed, but the barriers make it far less likely they’ll crash into someone’s living room.

That offers some peace of mind. Still, for families living near dangerous roads, it’s worth taking a few extra steps to prepare — just in case.

Start with an emergency fund. A cushion of cash can be a lifesaver if your home is damaged and you need to cover repairs quickly.

Also, consider setting aside money each month to invest in home safety over time. Ryan Langhor built a garden along the back wall to help slow down any incoming cars. Other ideas include planting trees or placing large boulders as barriers.

And of course, make sure that your homeowners insurance is up to date. If a car hits your house, you’ll want help covering the cost to fix it.

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Sarah Sharkey Freelance Contributor

Sarah Sharkey is a personal finance writer who enjoys diving into the details to help readers make savvy financial decisions. She covers mortgages, insurance, money management, and more. She lives in Florida with her husband and dogs. When she's not writing, she's outside exploring the coast.

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