High Visibility Enforcement Program Completed in the City of Sarasota, Here Are the Results
Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC
SPD
The Sarasota Police Department has completed its High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) program to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety. The City of Sarasota ranks in the top 25 cities in the state of Florida for traffic crashes that result in serious injuries and/or fatalities to pedestrians, bicyclists, and motor vehicle operators.
To protect the safety of the most vulnerable road users, the Sarasota Police Department conducted High Visibility Enforcement Details (HVE) from August 2023 until May 2024 throughout the City of Sarasota with a focus on several key roadways, including:
- U.S. 41 (SR 45) from Webber Street to Hibiscus Street
- U.S. 301 (SR 683) from 12th Street to 24th Street
- Fruitville Road (SR 780) from Tarpon Avenue to Midwest Parkway
- U.S. 41 (SR 45) from Arlington Street to Bahia Vista Street
- U.S. 41 (SR 45) from May Lane to Gary Drive
These locations were not chosen by the Sarasota Police Department but were determined based on crash data involving serious bodily injury or death. In addition to their normal patrol duties, the Sarasota Police Department Traffic Unit spent an additional 376 hours educating bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists and enforcing traffic laws. During this time, Sarasota Police officers contacted more than 1,000 pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. Education included:
- Improperly crossing the road
- Failing to cross at a designated crosswalk
- Riding in the wrong direction
- Crossing diagonally through an intersection
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, and be visible to drivers when walking at night.
All contacts with residents and visitors in the City of Sarasota will be documented, and results will be sent to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for evaluation.
