Sarasota Police High Visibility Enforcement program continues

 

SPD

 

 

Our #HighVisibility Enforcement program continues throughout the @CityofSarasota Since August, we’ve spent nearly 100 hours making contact with 267 pedestrians, bicyclists & drivers to increase awareness of traffic laws.

 

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The Sarasota Police Department is once again implementing a High Visibility Enforcement 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 resulting in serious and fatal injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists.

 

To protect the safety of the most vulnerable road users, the Sarasota Police Department will be conducting High Visibility Enforcement Details (HVE) from now until May 2021 throughout the City of Sarasota with focus on several key roadways including:

  • South Tamiami Trail from Floyd Street to Siesta Drive
  • North Washington Boulevard (U.S. 301) from 24th Street to Myrtle Street
  • North Tamiami Trail from 12th Street to Sylvan Drive
  • North Tamiami Trail from 47th Street to College Drive
  • Fruitville Road from Central Avenue to Tuttle Avenue

 

The roadways in the City of Sarasota that were chosen were selected based on crash data involving both pedestrians, bicyclists and motor vehicles.  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.
 

The goal of this enforcement effort is to increase awareness of and compliance with traffic laws that protect the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists.  Enforcement efforts will focus primarily on education to drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.  Violations may result in warnings or citations depending on the circumstances.

 

“Safety doesn’t happen by accident.  We want every driver, pedestrian, and bicyclist to understand and know the rules of the road.  The safety of our community is our number one priority,” said Officer Jason Frank, Sarasota Police Department Traffic Unit.

 

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 make sure you are visible to drivers when walking at night.

 

All contacts with citizens will be documented and results will be sent to the Florida Department of Transportation for evaluation at the conclusion of the safety campaign.