The Alliance for Safe Traffic Stops (ASTS) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization located in Alexandria, VA, and our mission is to de-escalate traffic stops by providing education, training, awareness, and the use of technology.

It is no shock that 2020 has been unprecedented and full of challenges, sadness, and despair. We have witnessed the devastating effects of COVID-19, the fatal police encounters of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, and the civil unrest in our country. One would think there is nothing to look forward to in 2021, yet the ASTS believes that 2021 is going to be another unprecedented year but one of hope, extensive reform, and great opportunities!

Our KISS Campaign (Keeping It Safe for Students) consists of virtual reality traffic stop compliance training for new student drivers. For example, in the Commonwealth of Virginia, standard driver training includes: Alcohol safety, drug abuse awareness, aggressive driving, distracted driving, pedestrian and bicycle safety, handicapped parking, fuel efficient driving practices, motorcycle awareness, and organ and tissue donation awareness, but it does NOT include training on how to handle a traffic stop. The ASTS virtual reality training will complement the current standard driver training to include traffic stop safety proactive compliance techniques.

As a result of great partnerships like Senator Amy Klobochur's Office, Ramsey County District Attorney's Office, University of Minnesota, Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, and Fairfax City Police Department, the ASTS will provide proactive traffic stop compliance training for high school student drivers with the primary focus on the following two school districts: 1) Fairfax City School District – Virginia and 2) Robbinsdale School District - Minnesota.

The demand for our training and technical assistance is why we are asking for your support. Our 2021 goals are to provide virtual reality proactive compliance traffic stop safety training and complimentary customized Not Reaching Pouches to both school districts (5,000 pouches). With your partnership, we will:

1) collaborate with 360 Immersive to create the virtual reality proactive compliance traffic stop safety training; and
2) provide complimentary customized Not Reaching pouches to student drivers at both school districts (customized with school logos).

Not Reaching, a vehicle identification pouch, will provide customized pouches for the cost of manufacturing only. For more information about Not Reaching, please visit: www.notreaching.com.