About Citizens for Safe Streets
About Us
Citizens for Safe Streets is a 501c3 nonprofit organization based out of Columbia, SC that advocates for safer streets through data-driven solutions, specifically Automated Road Safety Technology (ARST). We advocate for the legalization of ARST and other road safety solutions to decrease accidents, supplement limited law enforcement resources, and ultimately save lives across the state.
Vision
A South Carolina where our roads, streets, and neighborhoods are safe for everyone.
Mission
We save lives by advocating for the legalization and use of Automated Road Safety Technology (ARST) to reduce traffic deaths in South Carolina.
Why ARST Matters
In June of 2021, Carli Brewer Soukup, a 33 year old woman, was killed when a driver ran a red light while she was crossing an intersection on the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
Sadly, Carli’s story is not unique. Every day, similar tragedies occur on South Carolina roads for cyclists, pedestrians and even other car drivers. These are not just accidents; they are often preventable.
Key Stats
● South Carolina has the deadliest roads in the nation.
● Tragically, car accidents were the #1 cause of accidental death for SC children ages 1-9
in 2022.
● Traffic deaths in SC are at a 16-year high and rising.
H3: How ARST Can Help
It is time to legalize this life-saving technology in South Carolina.
● ARST helps our police officers by deterring dangerous driving behaviors like running red lights and speeding.
● Studies show that ARST significantly reduces crashes at intersections and along dangerous roadways up to 54%.
● This technology makes our roads safer for everyone: drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and our children.
H3: ARST Protects Privacy and Equity
Automated camera and sensory technology removes human bias from 1:1 interactions with police officers and traffic violaters, therefore objectively enforcing the laws of the road. This technology specifically monitors license plates, carefully protecting passenger privacy.