Traffic Safety Campaign
Inspiration
Our project was inspired in part by Evan's participation in the National Civics Bee, a nationwide competition that challenges students to identify community problems and propose civic solutions. As Michigan’s 2024 Civics Bee State Champion and National Finalist, Evan explored the issue of pedestrian safety in his competition essay. That experience deepened his awareness of local traffic hazards and sparked a desire to move beyond ideas into action. He launched this Traffic Safety Campaign, which focuses on raising awareness and advocating for safer pedestrian, biking, and driving conditions throughout our township.
Why Does Traffic Safety Matter?
Every year, more than 40,000 people die in traffic crashes in the U.S., according to the National Safety Council. In Michigan alone, there were over 282,000 traffic crashes in 2023, resulting in more than 1,100 fatalities.
Pedestrians, cyclists, and young drivers are especially vulnerable:
- 🚶♂️ Pedestrian deaths have increased by over 60% in the last decade.
- 🚲 Children ages 10–14 are among the most at-risk groups for bike-related injuries.
- 📱 Distracted driving caused over 14,000 crashes in Michigan in 2022.
These numbers aren't just statistics—they represent real people in our neighborhoods. That's why we at NextGen Community Builders are taking action to make Canton’s streets safer for everyone.
Our Events
- Summit on the Park (April 19, 2025): Hosted a display table to help increase community engagement and raise Traffic Safety awareness in Canton with safety videos, Safe Streets materials, posters, and pledge.
- Public Library Display (May 27 - June 10, 2025): Display Safe Streets materials, Traffic Safety posters, campaign photos, and civic pledge to reach more community members, especially students.
- National Trails Day (June 7, 2025): In partnership with SEMCOG, raise Traffic Safety awareness through running interactive activities and distributing Safe Streets materials.
- Liberty Fest (June 12–13, 2025): Our biggest event for the year with the goal of reaching out to thousands of citizens through interactive traffic safety games in a tent/booth.
- Corewell Heath 2025 Wayne Safety Day (June 25, 2025): In partnership with Corewell Health, we participated in our first community event in the neighboring City of Wayne, promoting safety education and community engagement to raise awareness about accident and injury prevention.
- National Night Out at Heritage Park - Canton (August 7, 2025): In partnership with the Canton Police Department, NextGen Community Builders hosted a Traffic Safety Awareness table at the National Night Out event in Heritage Park, Canton. We engaged with local residents, shared safety resources, and encouraged community action to promote safer streets and neighborhoods.
Impact & Achievements
- At Summit on the Park, we distributed more than 100 safety items, engaged with over 150 community members, had over 80 Safe Streets Pledges signed.
- At National Trails Day, we talked to over 200 citizens about Traffic Safety and raised awareness, distributed over 120 safety items, had over 100 Safe Streets Pledges signed.
- Our Traffic Safety Display at the Canton Public Library has reached over 10,000 patrons, spreading awareness about the issue of traffic safety and making sure that safety is everyone's responsibility.
- At this year’s Liberty Fest, our team at NextGen Community Builders led a two-day Traffic Safety Campaign that made a lasting impact. We engaged with over 1,000 community members through interactive traffic safety activities, distributed more than 500 safety items, including reflective gear and educational tip cards and collected over 200 signed Safe Streets Pledges. Through this effort, we raised awareness about pedestrian, biking, and driver safety and empowered residents of all ages to take action.
- Recognized by SEMCOG Executive Director Amy O’Leary and Canton Township leaders for creating a youth-led traffic safety awareness campaign and helping advocate for a successful TAP grant, securing $908,626 in federal funding to close critical sidewalk gaps near Canton schools.
- At the National Night Out event in Canton, we engaged with more than 500 community members about the importance of traffic safety, distributed over 300 safety resources, and collected over 200 signatures for our Safe Streets Pledge.