The Bradenton-Sarasota region was recently ranked number 10 on a list of the most dangerous areas in the country for pedestrians and bicyclists. While fatalities are decreasing across the state, Florida still ranks second in the nation for most pedestrian and cyclist deaths, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.
The Bradenton Police Department has said it will step up enforcement throughout the city in response to concerns regarding pedestrian safety. In January, the city targeted and educated jaywalkers in an aggressive citywide campaign. Now, it will use grant funding to target the four most dangerous intersections with a combination of enforcement efforts and education.
These four dangerous intersections are:
- First Street and 13th Avenue
- Manatee Avenue West and Ninth Street West
- Ninth Street West and 21st Avenue West
- Manatee Avenue West and 43rd Street West
Funding for the enforcement efforts comes from the University of South Florida’s Center for Urban Transportation Research. The center will track the efforts of officers to enforce safety standards in these intersections at various times and days throughout the program. The $6,000 allocated in grant money will help pay the salaries of officers dedicated to the program’s mission.
Police officers say that drivers, pedestrians and cyclists alike can stand to gain more education on the responsibilities they have in sharing Bradenton-Sarasota’s roads and highways.
If you have been seriously injured in a pedestrian accident, meet with a skilled Bradenton personal injury attorney at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh.