In a move to curb the rising tide of roadway incidents, the St. Petersburg Police Department (SPPD) is joining forces with the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) District Seven. This collaboration launches an initiative aimed at bolstering road safety through the Enhanced Law Enforcement Engagement (ELEE) program. Set into motion on Monday, the program will run until late February of the next year, focusing on increasing law enforcement visibility on specific state thoroughfares known for higher crash rates. This partnership promises a fresh effort to remind drivers of the stakes, each time they take the wheel, as detailed by the St. Petersburg Police Department.
According to a statement obtained by the SPPD, educational outreach forms a part of this initiative. First responders are set to deliver instructional talks in Driver Education classes across schools within District Seven. The program zeroes in on several key target areas outlined in the State Highway Strategic Safety Plan (SHSSP), including intersection violations, driving under the influence (DUI), speeding, and a suite of other risky behaviors such as aggressive and distracted driving, work zone, and ‘Move Over’ violations.
“FDOT District Seven is committed to making our roads safer through partnerships with local first responders,” said FDOT District Seven Safety Engineer Emmeth Duran, P.E. in the program announcement. The partnership’s ultimate goal aligns with FDOT’s ambitious target—a vision of zero fatal crashes and serious injuries. Duran’s words reflect a commitment to this vision and the expectation that the collaborative efforts will spur a decline in tragic roadway outcomes, as per the St. Petersburg Police Department…