Clinton Launches “Safe Streets for All” Plan with Goal of Zero Traffic Deaths by 2040

With a bold goal of eliminating traffic-related deaths and serious injuries by 2040, the City of Clinton has officially launched its Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan—an initiative aimed at making city streets safer for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists alike.

This project is funded by a grant from the United States Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All(SS4A) program, part of a national effort to dramatically reduce roadway fatalities and injuries. Since 2017, 24 people have died on Clinton roads—more than the number lost to homicide, natural disasters, or house fires combined.

“This is more than just a traffic initiative. This is about saving lives and building a safer community for all of us,” said Clinton City Manager Joey Meadors. “Whether you’re a child walking to school, a senior crossing downtown, or a family driving to church—everyone deserves to arrive safely.”

Understanding the Risks

The Safe Streets for All team has already begun analyzing crash data and community feedback to identify Clinton’s most dangerous road segments. Preliminary findings show that:

42% of serious and fatal crashes happened on just 2.1% of road segments in and around Clinton.
Areas of concern include downtown intersections along West Carolina Avenue, Broad Street near PC and the YMCA, and Willard Road near Clinton Middle School.
A High Injury Network is being mapped to help prioritize the areas most in need of attention.

Additional insight was provided through AARP Walk Audits conducted by students from Dr. Justin Brent’s class at Presbyterian College, further enriching the plan’s foundation.

How Residents Can Help

While technical data outlines where crashes have happened, Clinton leaders say community input is vital in identifying where future risks could be prevented. Residents are encouraged to:

Share safety concerns via the interactive pin map
Complete a public survey to offer suggestions:
👉 Click here to take the survey

Residents are encouraged to complete the survey in the next few weeks to ensure their input is included in the planning process. Community voices will help shape decisions about where and how improvements are made.

Ideas for improvement might include better sidewalks and crosswalks, bike lanes, improved signage, traffic calming, driver and pedestrian education, or enhanced street lighting.

Next Steps

Clinton is using a Safe Systems Approach—a strategy that not only addresses infrastructure but also focuses on safer vehicles, responsible behaviors, emergency response, and community engagement.

The Safe Streets for All Plan is being developed with input from a diverse stakeholder committee including representatives from the City, School Districts, Presbyterian College, Prisma Health Laurens, Clinton YMCA, and local civic groups.

“This isn’t just a plan on paper,” said Meadors. “It’s a commitment to honor those we’ve lost and to take steps to prevent future tragedies.”

To learn more about the Clinton Safe Streets for All initiative and participate in the planning process, visit the City of Clinton’s website or contact the City Manager’s office.