See someone walking in a crosswalk? If you’re driving, don’t think of cutting in front of them, or you might get a ticket July 29-Aug. 8.
Police officers and sheriff deputies across Florida are going to be enforcing crosswalk safety during this time.
At a recent meeting, the Lake County Commission signed on once again to join the Best Foot Forward for Pedestrian Safety program, a coalition of law enforcement offices in Central Florida dedicated to elevating pedestrian safety standards.
The program, administered by Bike/Walk Central Florida, was created to enhance safety in crosswalks, making sure that drivers stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
In 2024, there were 30 serious injuries and 11 fatalities among cyclists and pedestrians in Lake County, which the Florida Department of Transportation recognizes as one of the 25 most dangerous counties in the state for pedestrian and bicycle fatalities.
Lake County is the ninth county in Central Florida to commit to elevating pedestrian safety through this program. Other nearby counties include Marion, Volusia, Orange, Seminole and Polk counties.
Here are some local agencies and locations where “Best Foot Forward” will be enforced:
According to FDOT, only 49% of drivers yield to pedestrians within a half-mile of parks, and only 46% of drivers yield to pedestrians at trail crossings.
According to Best Foot Forward, around 980 pedestrians are seriously injured and 90 people are killed each year on average, trying to do something as simple and necessary as crossing the street.
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Watch out for pedestrians or get a ticket during Best Foot Forward campaign
Reporting by Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial / Daily Commercial
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
