In Iowa, Louisiana, a group of concerned residents is pleading with the United States Postal Service (USPS) to move a set of mailboxes located across a busy two-lane highway to a safer location closer to their homes.
Residents, including 86-year-old Josie Boudreaux, have expressed concerns about the danger of crossing the highway to collect their mail, but USPS has denied their requests for years.
A Dangerous Route for Seniors
Boudreaux, who lives roughly three and a half hours west of New Orleans, explained that due to her age, she can’t cross the highway herself to pick up her mail and often relies on others for help. However, when no one is available, she is forced to brave the busy road. “I don’t do it. I have to get someone to do it for me because of my age,” Boudreaux told NBC affiliate KPLC.
The location of the mailboxes has raised concerns not only for the residents but also for postal workers who must navigate the dangerous route to deliver mail. Boudreaux, expressing her worry for mail carriers, said, “Because of the traffic, the danger of being hit from behind, or even the trucks passing while I’d be delivering mail. No. It’s bad.”
Requests for Change Denied
Boudreaux and her neighbors have made multiple requests over the years to have the seven-house strip of mailboxes moved closer to their driveways, but the USPS has repeatedly denied their requests.
Helen Morein, another local resident, also submitted an official request to USPS to move the mailboxes but received no resolution. “We’re very scared that someone’s going to get hurt. Either us or a mail carrier or just a passing by car,” Morein said.
A USPS spokesperson responded to inquiries by explaining that the current delivery route was based on factors such as operational efficiency, safety, and standards of service.
The spokesperson added, “The Postal Service’s goal is to provide the best possible service…no changes are planned at this time.” However, the spokesperson did not address the discrepancy in mailbox locations, as another neighbor with a home 2,000 feet away from Boudreaux and Morein has a mailbox located right at their driveway.
Mail Carriers Express Concern
Morein shared that even mail carriers have expressed concern about the safety of the current delivery route. “Last week I had a sub mail lady, and she was shaken when she drove into my driveway to deliver a box. She said she almost got run over. She said the traffic does not slow down,” Morein said.
Boudreaux suggested that if the mailboxes were moved to their side of the road, the community could provide a safer space for mail carriers to park and turn around, ensuring that they would not need to be on the road at all.
Awaiting USPS Response
Despite the community’s pleas and safety concerns, USPS has not yet responded to a request for comment from The U.S. Sun. As it stands, the residents of Iowa, Louisiana, continue to hope for a safer solution to this ongoing issue.
