Speeding and Fear Collide on Peoria Street: Aurora Families Take Safety Into Their Own Hands
Residents living along Peoria Street near Alaska Avenue in Aurora are sounding the alarm after a string of car crashes into their homes has left them shaken and demanding action from the city. Over the past year alone, at least five vehicles have careened off the road and slammed into houses along the stretch — a dangerous pattern that neighbors say has turned their properties into targets. Many blame speeding and reckless driving, with some residents taking extreme measures to protect themselves. One homeowner, who has endured multiple crashes, spent $30,000 to build a reinforced concrete wall around his property. The investment proved worthwhile when another speeding car hit the barrier instead of his house. Others have added their own makeshift protections, pouring concrete and erecting columns in their yards, fearing the next crash could break through a bedroom wall and injure someone inside.
Neighbors say the problem is chronic — cars race down Peoria well above the posted 35 mph limit, often losing control around corners. They’re urging Aurora to step in with stronger safety measures like speed bumps, additional patrols, or barriers to prevent more destruction. However, city officials say Peoria Street is classified as a major arterial road, meaning traffic-calming devices like speed humps can’t be installed without affecting emergency response routes and congestion. The city says it will conduct a more detailed review following the latest incident and evaluate whether engineering changes or new safety features are possible.
For residents, those assurances don’t bring much comfort. They say the situation has become a nightly source of anxiety, with many too worried to sleep soundly. They’re calling on city leaders to act before someone is seriously hurt, emphasizing that they’re not asking for miracles — just meaningful change to help them feel safe again in their own homes.
