Canton Will Use $400K Federal Grant To Help Stop Violent Crashes

CANTON TOWNSHIP, MI — Canton officials will use a $400,000 federal grant to create a plan aimed at reducing vehicle crashes in the area, according to a news release.

Along with the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, Canton will use the money to put together a team to draft a safety plan that aims to reduce violent crashes in the area.

Canton received the money from the U.S. Department of Transportation as part of President Joe Biden’s Safe Streets and Roads for All law. From 2017-2021, Canton had 13 fatal crashes with 14 fatalities.

"Our vision for the community is to make it a place where pedestrians can navigate their neighborhoods with ease, children can walk to school safely and seniors can enjoy leisurely strolls with confidence," Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak said.

The study will analyze previous crashes in the area to identify areas that need road improvements to provide vehicle and pedestrian safety. The team will especially focus on crosswalks around elementary and middle schools.

The team will also hold public sessions with a focus aimed at increasing the awareness of traffic safety issues and addressing behavioral causes of observed crashes and injuries.