The Canton Police Department will begin a proactive traffic safety program on April 20, 2006. This enforcement will be aimed at reducing the number of accidents occurring at high traffic crash areas within Canton. To accomplish this, the department will study accident data to determine the high traffic crash areas as well as the most frequent cause(s) of the accidents occurring there. Patrol officers will work these problem intersections ensuring compliance with local and state traffic laws, with emphasis on the violations determined to be a frequent cause of accidents at the location.

Initial activities will focus on the Ford & Haggerty Road intersection, as crash analysis of this area reveals a pattern of increased accidents. Ford & Haggerty went from being the tenth highest crash location in Wayne County with a total of 43 accidents in 2003, to the highest crash location with a total of 73 crashes in 2005. This intersection experiences the highest number of accidents on Thursdays and Fridays between 3 and 5 p.m.

Signs will be posted at the intersection during the enforcement times, advising the motoring public of the activity. While working the intersections, officers will evaluate the traffic signals and signs in the area, notifying Wayne County Road Commission and/or the Michigan Department of Transportation of any problems or recommended changes.

Traffic continues to increase on the roads in Canton, as the community's demographics continue to change. Canton can expect to see higher traffic volumes this summer, as IKEA plans to open a store located on the northwest corner Ford and Haggerty Roads. The goal of this high visibility enforcement is to ensure compliance with state and local traffic laws, making Canton's roads safer for residents and visitors.

MEDIA CONTACT: Sergeant Todd Mutchler, 734/394-5437