By Joseph T. Piscitello, PA Safe Roads PAC Board Member

Hit‑and‑run crashes leave families shattered and communities searching for answers. This type of crash remains a dangerous subset of the more than 110,000 annual crashes in Pennsylvania. In 2016, the tragic death of 8‑year‑old Jayanna Powell exposed a devastating gap in how quickly law enforcement can track down vehicles involved in these crimes. Her story remains the driving force behind the Jay Alert Notification System, a proposed statewide tool designed to help prevent and mitigate future tragedies.

Why Jayanna’s Story Matters

On November 18, 2026, Jayanna was walking home from school with her siblings at 63rd Street and Lansdowne Avenue in Philadelphia, when a speeding driver struck her and her brother at the crosswalk. The driver fled. Instead of coming forward, he had someone else take the damaged car to an auto body shop an hour away.  The shop owner only realized the vehicle matched the crash on the news, two weeks later.

Jayanna was so joyful, full of laughter, and had dreams of becoming a lawyer when her life was cut too short. Her family has been pushing for a system that would make it harder for hit‑and‑run drivers to evade justice.  The Jay Alert Notification System was co-founded by Jayanna’s mother, Ayeshia Poole and her aunt, Jasmine Hoffman.

What the Jay Alert Notification System Will Do

The Jay Alert would function much like the AMBER Alert system for missing children, but focused on hit‑and‑run crashes involving death or serious injury.  When a serious hit‑and‑run occurs, the notification system will quickly send alerts to auto body shops with key information:

• Make and model of the suspected vehicle
• License plate or partial plate
• Distinctive features
• Likely damage from the crash

Because many hit‑and‑run drivers attempt to repair or hide their vehicles, auto body shops are often the first—and sometimes only—place where critical evidence appears. A rapid alert system gives shop owners the information they need to recognize suspicious vehicles and notify law enforcement immediately.

Where the Legislation Stands

State Senator Anthony H. Williams (D) was the first legislator to champion this bill and introduced the Jay-Alert System bill in 2017. It has been introduced every subsequent session (2019, 2021, 2023). Senator Williams and Senator Joe Picozzi (R) released a Co-Sponsor memo in 2025 – we look forward to seeing a bill introduced in 2026. In 2024, State Representative Morgan Cephas (D) introduced the first House version and reintroduced the bill in 2025 which is currently referred to the House Transportation Committee.

Sen Williams and Rep Cephas at Jayanna’s street naming event (Dec/2025)

Why Pennsylvania Needs This Law

Hit‑and‑run crashes are a particularly cruel type of traffic violence.  It is devastating for families to learn that a loved one has been injured or killed, and the responsible driver fails to remain at the scene and call for help. Currently, a driver who flees the scene of a crash can easily evade accountability. A Jay Alert system would close that gap by helping police identify vehicles sooner. The intended objective of the system is to change drivers’ behavior. Jayanna’s family has fought for nearly a decade to make sure no other family endures what they have gone through. Passing the Jay Alert is a critical step toward safer streets and accountability.

Ayeshia Poole and family accept the “Jayanna  Powell Way” street sign

Interested in learning more?

Jasmine Hoffman will present at the Philly Bike Expo on March 14, 2026 at 3pm at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.  Check out this link for Expo seminars.