Traffic Alert: Apopka Police Department using "high-visibility enforcement" to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety

As cities grow and become more congested, the number of bicyclists and pedestrians sharing the roads with cars is also increasing. Unfortunately, this has led to an increase in accidents and injuries. In order to ensure the safety of everyone on the road, it's crucial to prioritize bicycle and pedestrian safety.

It's a priority the Apopka Police Department takes seriously.

Orange County ranks in the top 25 counties in the state for traffic crashes resulting in serious and fatal injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists. 

The Apopka Police Department will conduct High Visibility Enforcement  Details (HVE) from now until the middle of May along US 441 and E. SR 436. This area is over-represented in traffic crashes, resulting in serious and fatal injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists.  

Police departments nationwide are turning to high visibility enforcement techniques to improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians. With an increasing number of accidents involving these vulnerable road users, law enforcement officials are proactively addressing the issue. Through targeted enforcement, education, and outreach efforts, police departments hope to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities on the road.

HVE details are funded through a contract with the University of North Florida in partnership with the Florida  Department of Transportation’s focused initiative to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety.  

This enforcement effort aims to increase awareness of and compliance with traffic laws that protect the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists.  

Enforcement efforts will focus primarily on educating drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. However, depending on the circumstances, violations may result in warnings or citations.  

Remember:  

Drivers – obey speed limits, never drive impaired, and always watch for pedestrians and bicyclists.  Bicyclists – obey traffic laws, ride in the direction of traffic, and use lights when riding at night. 

Pedestrians – cross in crosswalks or at intersections, obey pedestrian signals, make sure you are visible to drivers when walking at night, and use sidewalks when they are available.