Pedestrian and Bike Safety High Priority For Patrol

Through August the Florida Highway Patrol will be putting a special emphasis on pedestrian safety with its “Operation Jaywalker and Crosswalk.”

The campaign has special significance to the Tampa Bay area. Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco Counties totaled the highest number of pedestrian fatalities in 2012 for the Patrol’s Troop C with 12, 11 and 12 fatal crashes respectively, according to a press release from FHP. 

During the months of July and August, pedestrians and motorist are urged to increase their safety awareness by reviewing pedestrian and bike laws.

A few pedestrian laws that you should be aware of include:

·      Between adjacent intersections at which traffic control signals are in operation, pedestrians shall not cross at any place except in a marked crosswalk.

·      No walking on roadway where sidewalks are provided, unless required by other circumstances.

·      Pedestrians shall yield the right-of-way to vehicles outside crosswalks.

A full review of Florida’s pedestrian traffic laws can be found at this link. To learn more about the “Operation Jaywalker and Crosswalk” program go to the Florida Highway Patrol website.