The Bradenton Police Department partnered with the Florida Department of Health in a new “High Visibility Program” geared toward improving pedestrian and cyclist safety.
The funding the police department received for the program will go to officers working overtime on streets that are considered more “accident prone” based on accident statistics over the last several years. Examples of areas that are likely to see increased police presence include U.S. 301 from Waterfront Drive to 17th Avenue West, and 8th Avenue West and 14th Street West through 12th Street West.
Much-needed investments in improved safety
The hope is that this new program will help to cut down on traffic crimes, as well as other crimes in those areas. Traffic crimes are a common cause of traffic accidents—people who engage in high-risk traffic activities like speeding, rolling through stop signs or failure to yield the right of way are more likely to cause traffic accidents. However, the presence of police can be a deterrent to risky driving behaviors, making those resulting accidents less common.
By focusing on areas that have a track record for illegal activity and accidents, police hope to be able to curb accident figures in those areas and create a safer roadway specifically for pedestrians and cyclists, who are at even greater risk than drivers due to the lack of physical protections afforded to them.
The “High Visibility Program” name refers to the visibility of the police officers who will be stationed in those areas.
The results of pedestrian and cycling accidents can be severe. If you or a loved one have been the victim in such an accident and believe it was a result of another party’s negligence, contact an experienced Bradenton, FL personal injury lawyer at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez & Walsh to learn more about the steps you can take to seek compensation for your losses.