The Florida Department of Transportation has launched “Alert Today, Alive Tomorrow”, an initiative aimed at protecting pedestrians and cyclists on Broward County roads.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office was recently awarded an additional $200,000 to assist with the agency’s high-visibility enforcement. The funds were awarded through a contract with the University of North Florida’s Institute of Police Technology and Management. The total amount of the contract is $300,989.73. This is the ninth year BSO has participated in the program which runs through mid-May 2023.
The education and enforcement initiative aims to reduce the number of traffic crashes and fatalities involving pedestrians and bicyclists through the use of traffic education, warnings, and enforcement operations. Deputies in BSO jurisdictions will carry out on-street education by informing motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians about traffic safety laws on county roads and, when appropriate, deputies will enforce Florida Statutes by issuing warnings and citations.
Crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists are more likely to result in fatal or serious injuries than other types of crashes. BSO reminds the community of the following important safety tips:
- Pedestrians should always walk on the sidewalk. If no sidewalk is available, walk facing traffic.
- Bicyclists should ride in a designated bike lane if one is available. Cyclists should ride with the flow of traffic.
- Pedestrians and bicyclists should avoid wearing headphones or talking on their cellphones.
- Motorists should avoid distractions while driving and always watch for pedestrians.
- Only cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections, when possible, and always obey all traffic signals.
- Pedestrians and bicyclists should make sure they are visible to drivers when walking or riding at night.
- On the road there should be a minimum of three feet between bicyclists and vehicles.
