The parents of a three-year-old girl who was killed in a collision in Cambridge are pushing for changes to road safety rules to prevent another tragedy. Spencer MacDonald and Shihan Shea have created a proposed framework called “Violet’s Law”, named after their daughter, Violet MacDonald, who died after she and her mother were hit by a driver while they were walking near the entrance to Westgate Plaza on Cedar Street on Dec. 11, 2025. “A pickup truck was turning out of the plaza. It struck myself and my daughter while she was in the stroller,” Shea recalled. She said the trauma has followed her since. “I got injured [and] psychologically, I am suffering serious trauma, flashbacks,” she said. The driver involved in Violet’s death was charged in January. A 75-year-old Cambridge man was charged with dangerous operation causing death and having an obstructed windshield. “After losing our daughter, we resolved to transform tragedy into protection for others,” Shea said. Family calls for mandatory safety measures The family said their proposal would establish mandatory safety audits, require infrastructure improvements and increase accountability for road authorities following fatal pedestrian collisions. Specifically, “Violet’s Law” would require a road authority to designate a safety priority zone within 24 hours of a qualifying fatal collision and begin a formal safety audit within seven days. The proposed framework would also establish deadlines for interim safety measures and permanent infrastructure changes, as well as a public register tracking safety audits and improvements. Violet’s parents said their goal is to prevent other families from experiencing a similar loss. “Violet’s law is to ensure no other family has to go through the pain by creating mandatory, rapid physical safety fixes across Ontario, whenever a fatal pedestrian collision occurs,” Shea said. The proposal also includes a designation called a “Violet Ribbon Zone” for locations where a pedestrian under the age of 16 is killed. The family said it is collecting signatures and has spoken with an office representing its MPP. As of Monday, roughly 130 signatures had been collected. Their goal is to increase that number to over 5,000. “No parent should have to go through saying goodbye to their child in such a tragic way,” Shea said. Violet’s death remains a defining loss for MacDonald and Shea. The framework is a family-proposed initiative and is not currently Ontario law. “Obviously, it’s not about punishing drivers. It’s about keeping cities responsible for the safety of the people living in them,” MacDonald explained. “I miss her every day,” an emotional Shea said. “Hugs and kisses, baby girl.” No additional road changes recommended: region The Region of Waterloo said it has completed several reviews and improvements along Cedar Street. In 2019, the region installed a pedestrian crossover near the Westgate Plaza entrance. The crossing includes signage, pavement markings, a pedestrian refuge island and flashing lights. Speed surveys completed in late 2024 found average speeds of 50 km/h in one section of Cedar Street and 49 km/h in another, generally consistent with the posted 50 km/h speed limit. A 2026 review found no sightline obstructions affecting pedestrians along Cedar Street or motorists exiting Westgate Plaza. The region said three pedestrian collisions occurred in the area between 2020 and 2026, all involving drivers exiting the plaza. Two involved pedestrians on the sidewalk and one involved a pedestrian on the roadway. Based on available collision data, speed information and existing and planned improvements, regional staff are not recommending additional changes in the area at this time. More traffic control measures under review The region said it is reviewing traffic control options at Cedar Street and Kent Street, with recommendations expected in early 2027. It is also considering establishing restrictions that would prohibit transport trucks from turning right at Cedar Street and St. Andrews Street. A resurfacing project covering part of Cedar Street is scheduled to begin design in 2027, with construction planned for 2030, subject to budget approval. The region said potential speed reduction and safety measures will be assessed as part of that project.
