The Sarasota Police Department is increasing efforts to make local roads safer for everyone, especially pedestrians and bicyclists. Thanks to new funding, officers are rolling out a High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) initiative aimed at reducing serious and fatal crashes in the community.
Sarasota County is ranked among the top 25 counties in Florida for pedestrian and bicyclist crashes, making this program a crucial step in saving lives. The HVE initiative focuses primarily on education, reminding drivers, cyclists, and walkers of the laws designed to keep them safe.
While the program emphasizes awareness and education, officers may also issue warnings or citations when needed. Targeted enforcement areas were chosen based on crash data and include:
- N. Washington Drive (SR 683): 10th Street to Myrtle Street
- Fruitville Road (SR 780): Lockwood Ridge Road to Midwest Parkway
- S. Tamiami Trail (US 41/SR 45): Arlington Street to Bahia Vista Street
- S. Tamiami Trail (US 41/SR 45): Webber Street to Hibiscus Street
- Central Avenue: Mira Mar Court to 5th Street
- Tuttle Avenue: Belvoir Street to 6th Street
- N. Tamiami Trail (US 41/SR 45): 10th Street to 42nd Street
Safety Tips for Everyone on the Road
- Drivers: Follow speed limits, avoid distractions, never drive impaired, and watch closely for people crossing at intersections and crosswalks.
- Bicyclists: Always ride with traffic, obey all traffic signs and signals, and use lights and reflectors at night.
- Pedestrians: Cross at intersections or crosswalks, follow walk signals, and wear bright or reflective clothing after dark.
This High Visibility Enforcement program is funded through a partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the University of North Florida, and the Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM)…