When a single vehicle crashed into their home, homeowners Melissa and Ryan Langhor were shaken up. But now, after 18 crashes and counting, the Phoenix couple is calling for changes to protect their home from future incidents.
They live near the corner of West Northwest Ranch Parkway and 163rd Lane, where drivers face a near-90-degree turn with little warning. Miss the turn, and you end up in the Langhor’s backyard.
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With their safety at stake, the couple painted a bold message on the backyard wall that’s been hit over and over again:
“City of Surprise. Do we have to die? Fix the road.”
The message is hard to miss. For the Langhors, it’s more than a cry for help. It’s a plea born of fear and frustration, aimed squarely at city officials. But how did it come to this?
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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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
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