Project SAFE: Streets Are for Everyone
Funded by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety
South Carolina Ranks 4th in the Nation for Pedestrian Fatalities
Every year, too many lives are lost on the streets of West Columbia, Cayce, and Columbia. Project SAFE is a community-powered initiative helping youth, families, and drivers learn the tools to stay safe. Because one life lost is already too many.
The Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center (BLEC) offers culturally relevant, bilingual pedestrian safety education across the regions, with a special focus on immigrant and underserved communities.
Watch Out For Me: Pedestrian Safety Training
This program is designed for adults and children alike, offering practical guidance on:
- Key traffic safety concepts for pedestrians and drivers
- Videos demonstrating visibility and distraction awareness
- Age-appropriate lessons for children on safe walking habits
Walk! Fun! Walking Safety Training
Designed for kids of all ages, our pedestrian safety program focuses on:
- Traffic safety rules and responsibilities
- Developing confidence for walking
- Staying healthy through physical activity
Our Mission
To prevent pedestrian-related injuries and fatalities by educating our community, especially the most vulnerable, through outreach, school-based programs, and media campaigns rooted in safety and awareness.
Why It Matters
- From 2013 to 2022, there were 976 fatal school transportation-related crashes in the U.S.
- In 2021 alone, over 7,000 pedestrians were killed and 60,000+ were injured in traffic crashes.
- African American and Hispanic populations, particularly men and children aged 10–14, are at the highest risk.
- In 2021, Lexington and Richland counties accounted for 181 pedestrian crashes, ranking in the top 10 counties in SC for serious and fatal incidents.
- Most crashes occurred in good weather, during the day, and in non-intersections—highlighting the need for education, not just infrastructure.
How Project SAFE Is Taking Action
We’re combining evidence-based practices with local engagement to reduce preventable collisions and save lives:
- Watch for Me NC Campaign
Adapting and tailoring multi-media materials (print, video, audio) for our local, multilingual communities by December 2024. - Walk! Bike! Fun! Curriculum
Training part-time educators and piloting interactive safety lessons for students in grades 4–8 throughout 2025. - Youth & Family Outreach
Partnering with schools, summer camps, and mentoring programs to deliver life-saving pedestrian and bike safety education. - Community Police Collaboration
Distributing materials through Columbia, West Columbia, and Cayce police units to expand neighborhood reach. - Immigrant Refugee Support
Providing 10-minute pedestrian safety sessions for new refugee families in partnership with Lutheran Services. - Bilingual Messaging
Ensuring every outreach effort includes English and Spanish communications to reflect our diverse community.
Measuring Our Impact
By the end of the campaign, we aim to:
- Reduce pedestrian collisions in target communities by at least 20%
- Reach 10,000+ community members with educational materials
- Educate at least 75% of our priority audience groups, including 4th–8th graders, young drivers, and immigrant families
- Secure 1,000+ visits to our campaign landing page and gather 500+ sign-ups for ongoing safety updates
Want to Join Us?
Contact Dr. Cindye Richburg Cotton, Project SAFE Coordinator.
Email: crichburgcotton@brookland.cc
Office: (803) 744-7943
Mobile: (803) 747-3519
