Traffic Safety Initiative

Inspiration

This 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 focused on pedestrian safety in his competition essay. That experience sparked a desire to move beyond ideas into action. He launched this Traffic Safety initiative to address real-world safety challenges in his community, focusing on raising awareness and advocating for safer conditions for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers across southeast Michigan.

Why Does Traffic Safety Matter?

Every year, more than 40,000 people die in traffic crashes in the U.S. 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 aren't just numbers. They represent lives lost, families impacted, and communities changed . This is why we started this initiative: to help prevent these injuries before they happen and make our streets safer for everyone.

Community Outreach & Engagement

Through these events, we engaged thousands of residents, promoted safer behaviors, and brought community voices into local safety planning.

Summit on the Park (April 19, 2025): Hosted a traffic safety outreach table, engaging community members through safety videos, Safe Streets materials, and interactive discussions to raise awareness.
Public Library Display (May 27 - June 10, 2025): Reached a broad audience through a multi-week display featuring traffic safety materials, campaign visuals, and a civic pledge, extending awareness to thousands of visitors.
National Trails Day (June 7, 2025): In partnership with SEMCOG, led interactive activities and distributed safety materials to promote safe walking and biking practices.
Liberty Fest (June 12–13, 2025): Our largest outreach event, engaging hundreds of residents through interactive traffic safety games and conversations in a community tent.
Corewell Heath 2025 Wayne Safety Day (June 25, 2025): Expanded our initiative into the City of Wayne, partnering with Corewell Health to promote injury prevention and community safety.
National Night Out at Heritage Park - Canton (August 7, 2025): Partnered with the Canton Police Department to engage residents, share safety resources, and encourage community action toward safer streets.
Ypsilanti District Library - Ypsilanti (December 13, 2025): Expanded our initiative into the City of Ypsilanti, engaging residents in conversations about traffic safety, distributing materials, and collecting input to inform future efforts.

Impact & Achievements

Overall Impact

Engaged over 2,000 community members
Distributed more than 1,000 safety materials
Collected over 500 Safe Streets pledges
Expanded outreach across multiple communities, including Canton, Wayne, and Ypsilanti

Community Engagement

Liberty Fest (largest event): Engaged 1,000+ residents, distributed 500+ safety items, and collected 200+ pledges through interactive traffic safety activities
National Night Out (Canton): Engaged 500+ residents, distributed 300+ safety resources, and collected 200+ pledges
National Trails Day: Reached 200+ residents, distributed 120+ safety items, and collected 100+ pledges
Summit on the Park: Engaged 150+ residents, distributed 100+ safety items, and collected 80+ pledges
Wayne Safety Day: Expanded into a new community, engaging 250+ residents, distributed 100+ safety materials, and collecting 50+ pledges
Ypsilanti District Library: Engaged 100+ residents, distributed 75+ materials, collected 30+ pledges, and gathered 20+ survey responses
Canton Public Library Display: Reached over 10,000 community members through a multi-week awareness campaign

Policy Impact & Recognition

Contributed to securing $908,626 in federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding to improve sidewalk infrastructure near Canton schools
Recognized by SEMCOG Executive Director Amy O’Leary and Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak for leading a youth-driven traffic safety initiative

Recognition & External Validation

This initiative has been recognized by local government leaders and regional organizations, including SEMCOG, for its impact on community safety and engagement.