Central Florida Tightens Crosswalk Safety Enforcement: Drivers Risk Fines as Crackdowns Intensify

Central Florida is ramping up its efforts to ensure pedestrian safety with ongoing crosswalk crackdowns that are catching drivers off guard. In a recent operation, plainclothes officers were deployed to cross marked walkways in Kissimmee, monitoring drivers’ compliance with the law requiring them to yield to pedestrians. Drivers caught failing to stop faced not only traffic stops from local police but also potential fines of $164 and up to three points on their licenses. Elisha Dyer, Executive Assistant for Bike/Walk Central Florida, emphasized the critical nature of these enforcement actions, particularly in areas identified as high-risk for pedestrian accidents. Disturbingly, from January to August of this year, 394 pedestrians and cyclists suffered severe injuries or fatalities in the region, with nearly 20% of those victims aged 65 or older. In addition to tougher enforcement, experts like Dyer advocate for infrastructure improvements such as enhanced signage and rapid flashing beacons to further protect vulnerable road users. The initiative aims not only to educate drivers but also to foster safer conditions for pedestrians and cyclists throughout Central Florida.

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