A new traffic light on the Hal Rogers Parkway in Laurel County will be functioning later this week, but the story behind why it was installed began after a Jackson County mother and father lost their son.

Eighteen-year-old Aaron Snider was killed in a car accident at the intersection of the Hal Rogers Parkway and Kentucky 192 in January. Later, his parents started a petition for a traffic light. They were able to get more than 2,500 signatures, and Thursday, the light is expected to be turned on.

Several months have passed, but Aaron's mother, Debra Snider, says losing her son still haunts her. "It's a nightmare. It truly is a nightmare," she says.

She says there is so much she misses about Aaron. "His hugs and his kisses...I don't get that no more," Debra says.

Aaron's long-time friend and girlfriend of five years, Chelsa Bowman, says she's still coping, too. "I really miss his love and his smile, and the heart-warming hugs that he gave," she says.

They both hope the new traffic light prevents anyone else from experiencing something similar. Debra says, "We pushed for this traffic light because I wouldn't want no one else, no other child's parent, to go through what we've been through."

Chelsa says, "When I see that traffic light, I'm going to be thankful to God, because, it took so much for this to get through."

Aaron's mother says if he could be here now, he would be proud of what his family accomplished in his memory.

She says, "He'd say, 'Fantastic job, mom. That light was put up because of me.'"

The family says at least six others have died in car accidents at that intersection. The lights there will be flashing for the next couple of days before they are activated Thursday.