Visibility Enforcement Program Aims to Improve Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety in Osceola County
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office is proud to participate in the Florida Department of Transportation’s High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) Program—an initiative designed to educate drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians on Florida’s traffic laws and improve safety on our roadways.
Osceola County currently ranks among the top 25 counties in Florida for traffic crashes that result in serious or fatal injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists.
To help reverse this trend, additional deputies will be assigned to patrol high-risk corridors where pedestrian and bicycle crashes are most frequent.
The goal of these operations is to raise awareness and change unsafe behaviors that often lead to road tragedies. Deputies will focus on violations such as:
• Speeding
• Failing to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks
• Improper turns or signal violation
• Distracted driving, including the use of hand-held devices.
Pedestrians and bicyclists will also be monitored for unsafe actions, including jaywalking, failing to yield to vehicles with the right of way, riding against traffic, or operating without proper lighting at night.
Warnings or citations will be issued when appropriate.
This safety effort is funded through a contract with the University of North Florida’s Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM), under the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The program provides funding for overtime enforcement hours and specialized training for deputies on Florida’s pedestrian and bicycle laws, enforcement procedures, and best safety practices.
Safety Tips for Everyone on the Road
• Drivers: Follow posted speed limits, never drive impaired, and remain alert for pedestrians and cyclists. Remember to share the road.
• Bicyclists: Obey all traffic laws, ride with the flow of traffic, and use front and rear lights when riding after dark. Never ride with headphones covering both ears.
• Pedestrians: Cross only at marked crosswalks or intersections, follow pedestrian signals, and wear bright or reflective clothing at night. Never dart into the road.
For additional safety resources and tips, please visit: www.AlertTodayFlorida.com