Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, December 7, 2025
The family of 8-year-old Jayanna Powell advocates for Pennsylvania’s hit-and-run laws following her tragic death in 2016. Their proposed ‘Jay Alerts’ initiative aims to facilitate quicker identification of hit-and-run drivers by alerting the public and local auto repair shops with vehicle details. This effort includes renaming the block where she was killed to ‘Jayanna Powell Way’ and seeks to engage community members to improve traffic safety.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Advocacy for Jayanna Powell Sparks Change in Hit-and-Run Laws
A local family’s tragedy drives legislative innovation in Pennsylvania
The family of 8-year-old Jayanna Powell, who was tragically killed in a hit-and-run incident in 2016, is championing a significant cause in Pennsylvania. Their advocacy is focused on establishing a statewide hit-and-run advisory system. This ambitious initiative aims to streamline the process of identifying and apprehending hit-and-run drivers by distributing critical vehicle information to the public and local auto repair shops, thus promoting a more effective response mechanism.
On Saturday, an emotional ceremony took place in West Philadelphia, where the block where Jayanna lost her life was renamed “Jayanna Powell Way.” This initiative reflects the family’s determination to ensure that Jayanna’s legacy prompts essential change within the community. Her mother articulated their hopes for change, affirming that Jayanna’s brief life carried meaning and underscoring the importance of community involvement in fostering traffic safety initiatives.
Establishment of the “Jay Alerts” System
Jayanna’s family is collaborating with State Representative Morgan Cephas to launch the “Jay Alerts” initiative, which is designed to boost the efficiency of investigations into hit-and-run incidents. Through this system, detailed descriptions of vehicles involved in such incidents will be made available, including key details like make, model, year, color, license plate number, and damage extent. Such information would be communicated promptly via cell phones, televisions, and local auto body shops, increasing community awareness and the likelihood of successfully locating responsible drivers.
A Legislative Priority in Harrisburg
State Representative Cephas has indicated that this initiative is a priority in Harrisburg, reinforcing a commitment to improve public safety. By utilizing community resources effectively, the proposed legislation aims to not only aid law enforcement but also create a more vigilant public that actively participates in crime prevention and accountability related to hit-and-run incidents.
Jayanna’s Story: A Call for Action
On November 18, 2016, Jayanna Powell was fatally struck at the intersection of North 63rd Street and Lansdowne Avenue in West Philadelphia while walking home from school with her siblings. The driver, Paul Woodlyn, fled the scene, but was later apprehended. This tragic event highlighted the critical need for more robust measures to address hit-and-run cases and protect vulnerable pedestrians, particularly children.
Learning from Successful Models
The proposed “Jay Alerts” system draws inspiration from existing initiatives in other states, such as Colorado’s “Medina Alert.” Such programs have demonstrated effectiveness in mobilizing communities to locate and apprehend hit-and-run drivers rapidly. These successful precedents bolster the case for similar innovations in Pennsylvania.
Get Involved: Supporting “Jay Alerts”
Residents who wish to contribute to the legislative efforts surrounding the “Jay Alerts” initiative are encouraged to reach out to their local representatives and engage in community discussions. Increased public engagement can prove pivotal in enhancing traffic safety measures and ensuring justice for victims, thus fostering a safer environment for all citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the “Jay Alerts” system?
The “Jay Alerts” system is a proposed statewide hit-and-run advisory system in Pennsylvania. It aims to disseminate detailed information about vehicles involved in hit-and-run incidents to the public and auto repair shops, including make, model, year, color, license plate number, and extent of damage. Notifications would be sent through various channels, such as cell phones, televisions, and auto body shops, to assist in locating and apprehending responsible drivers.
Who is advocating for the “Jay Alerts” system?
The family of 8-year-old Jayanna Powell, who was killed in a hit-and-run incident in 2016, is leading the advocacy for the “Jay Alerts” system. They are collaborating with State Representative Morgan Cephas to introduce legislation for this initiative in Pennsylvania.
What happened to Jayanna Powell?
Jayanna Powell was fatally struck by a vehicle on November 18, 2016, at the intersection of North 63rd Street and Lansdowne Avenue in West Philadelphia. She was walking home from school with her three siblings when the incident occurred. The driver, Paul Woodlyn, fled the scene but was later apprehended after the vehicle was found at an auto repair shop in Chester County. Woodlyn was charged with Homicide by Vehicle, Involuntary Manslaughter, and related offenses.
How can residents support the “Jay Alerts” initiative?
Residents can support the “Jay Alerts” initiative by contacting their local representatives to express support for the proposed legislation. Additionally, participating in community discussions and staying informed about traffic safety measures can contribute to the success of this initiative.
Key Features of the “Jay Alerts” Initiative
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Statewide Advisory System | Aims to disseminate detailed information about vehicles involved in hit-and-run incidents across Pennsylvania. |
| Community Engagement | Utilizes public notifications through cell phones, televisions, and auto body shops to assist in locating and apprehending responsible drivers. |
| Legislative Support | Supported by State Representative Morgan Cephas, with efforts to introduce legislation for the system in Harrisburg. |
| Inspired by Other States | Modeled after successful initiatives like Colorado’s “Medina Alert,” which has effectively mobilized communities to apprehend hit-and-run drivers. |
| Memorialization | Includes renaming the block where Jayanna was killed to “Jayanna Powell Way” as a tribute to her memory. |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
