Tampa, Fla.- A 24-year old mother was struck and killed after two cars were racing each other, according to Tampa Police.
Tampa Police said Jessica Reisinger was taken to a local hospital where she died. Officers say she was legally crossing at an intersection when she was hit by a Mustang. The mother was pushing a baby stroller with her 2-year-old daughter in it.
"We're devastated. It's a tragic crash that didn't need to happen. It could have been avoided," said Kim Degance, President of the Palma Ceia Neighborhood Association.
Tampa Police said the mother did nothing wrong. She tried to cross the street at an intersection. Police said two drivers were street racing.
"Just this morning when I was running, I saw cops pulling people over who were speeding. Absolutely, people speed," said Megan Callihan who lives near Bayshore Blvd.
Traffic is heavy on Bayshore Blvd. in Tampa and crosswalks are scarce.
Megan Callihan jogs on Bayshore, but not with her children.
"The fact that you can't or you have to feel unsafe is so tragic so frustrating. It's so preventable," said Callihan.
City officials said a project is in the works to improve safety on Bayshore.
It includes reducing the posted speed limit from 40 mph to 35 mph. City officials said the speed limit on Bayshore Blvd. from Howard Avenue to Gandy Blvd. Southbound will be changed by October. The remaining portions of Bayshore will be changed to 35 mph when the next Bayshore Blvd. safety project is done. Construction starts in 2019.
" 35 mph would be an ideal speed limit considering the amount of people that cross the street on a day to day basis," said Degance.
The city also has plans to add at least 3 more crosswalks. The locations include: S. Dakota Avenue, South Delaware Avenue and Midway between S. Brevard Avenue and W. Swann Avenue.
"I don't feel safe with my children and I should. I am a stay-at-home mom, I should be able to run with my kids during the day," said Callihan.
