From the Orange County Newsroom
As motorists, most of us take streetlights on our roads for granted, but when it comes to pedestrians and cyclists, lighting represents a critical component in keeping them safe.
And with pedestrians and cyclists injured or killed becoming far too common on our roads, Orange County has made roadway safety an important priority with programs like the Accelerated Transportation Safety Program and Vision Zero.
Mayor Demings and Commissioners have allocated $100 million for transportation needs over five years, with $55 million of this for roadway lighting, sidewalks, and safety projects. The lighting portion provides $15 million to install 131 miles of new lighting on Orange County roads.
“Good lighting reduces nighttime crashes, especially at intersection crossings, and provides a safer environment for all road users,” said Colleen Lutz, assistant project manager of Orange County Public Works Engineering. “Better visibility enables drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists to identify potential hazards faster, thus avoiding possible accidents.”
Although lighting improvements are underway on roadways across all six county districts, Lutz asserts that pedestrians must take responsibility for staying safe.
“When possible, always use the lighted walkways,” she said. “The likelihood of being involved in a traffic accident is significantly diminished when you’re illuminated, and drivers can see you.”
For more information on Orange County’s transportation initiative and to access the proposed roadway lighting, sidewalk, and pedestrian safety projects, go to Accelerated Transportation Safety Program.
