Orange County Sheriff’s Office Tries to Curb Pedestrian Accidents

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on March 26, 2019

Due to the recent spike in numbers of crashes involving pedestrians within Orange County, deputies with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office have initiated yet another crackdown on violations of crosswalk laws committed by both pedestrians and drivers.

The data compiled over the past several months suggests that Orange County drivers in particular seem to be having trouble remembering that pedestrians have the right-of-way in crosswalks and that pedestrians – especially those who are walking in an area near to the University of Central Florida campus that encompasses both Alafaya Trail and University Boulevard – seem to be having a hard time understanding that there are certain times when they are supposed to wait on the sidewalk until the red hand goes away.

This past Wednesday alone (March 20th) saw Orange County Sheriff’s Deputies initiating traffic stops on eight different drivers who were noticed violating pedestrian crossing laws on roads across the street from the University of Central Florida’s campus. One of these drivers was arrested because they were driving without a license, although it is not clear if this fact would indicate that they are more or less likely to obey other laws such as those created to ensure pedestrian safety around crossings.

Amanda Day, a spokesperson for Best Foot Forward, a pedestrian advocacy campaign, indicated in a statement that it is important for pedestrians to stop at the crosswalks, push the button, and wait for the voice to say that they can cross. While these requests are seemingly simple, it appears that they do present something of a challenge to the dozens of people who every day charge across the street without looking where they are going.

The crackdown also comes at a time when Orange County pedestrian deaths continue to soar. Data indicates that two pedestrians in Orange County are struck by cars every single day. The data goes on to say that every week, one pedestrian is killed in Orange County. These facts have led Orlando to be rated the single most dangerous city for pedestrians over ten times in the past several decades, a distinction that is hardly one to boast about.

Sources:

• The 20 most dangerous US cities for pedestrians

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.