In a much-needed move for improving cyclists’ safety while enjoying their time on the roadways, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has launched new ‘High Visibility Enforcement Operations’ throughout Palm Beach County, reportedly targeting particularly busy and dangerous intersections within the county in a safety plan dubbed “High Visibility Enforcement Operations.
The intersection at Military Trail and Okeechobee Boulevard is a prime example of the type of heavily-traveled area being targeted by the operation.
As Palm Beach County cyclists are all too aware, the county ranks as one of the most dangerous areas for cyclists in the entire country.
According to the PBSO, for each of the past three years, over 700 pedestrians and cyclists have been involved in collisions annually. Already, 2018 has been an especially brutal year. There have been 20 fatal collisions involving pedestrians/cyclists as of June.
The High Visibility Enforcement Operations is the PBSO’s attempt to reduce the number of such collisions and improve the safety of everyone sharing the roadways, including motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. The operation began on September 4, 2018, and is scheduled to run until May 17, 2019.
HVE’s mission is education. Enforcement efforts by PBSO focus primarily on educating motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists about the applicable traffic laws.
The hope is that increased awareness of the rights and responsibilities of all those on the road will increase compliance with traffic laws and thereby make it safer for everyone.
PBSO notes, however, that warnings and citations may still be issued, depending on the facts and circumstances of each individual case.
Only time will tell whether HVE will result in safer roads. Nevertheless, the county and PBSO, in particular, should be applauded for their willingness to implement programs intended to address the mortal danger cyclists face every time they take to the roads doing what they love.
READ: What to Do Immediately After a Bicycle Accident: A Step-by-Step Guide
Major Roadways to See Increased Traffic Enforcement to Improve Safety
Starting now, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is implementing a strategic operation across key transportation corridors throughout the region.
Deputies will operate at high-traffic locations where vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians must cross paths daily, with a primary focus on education and awareness. The initiative addresses ongoing concerns about speeding and compliance with speed limits, particularly in areas where traffic flow intersects with crosswalk zones and signals.
Drivers are expected to stop at designated points and provide adequate space for vulnerable road users sharing the roadway. This change in enforcement strategy aims to control dangerous behaviors while maintaining smooth traffic movement in both directions.
Officers will monitor how motorists interact with bicyclists and whether they follow proper procedures when approaching marked crossing areas. While the primary goal centers on educating the community, citations will be issued when necessary to reinforce the importance of these safety measures.
READ: Top Causes of Bicycle Accidents and How to Avoid Them
The campaign represents a significant step forward in creating safer conditions on our roadways, and authorities believe this visible presence will encourage all road users to be more mindful of traffic laws and the well-being of others navigating these busy intersections.
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