Pinellas County ranks in the top 25 counties in the state for traffic crashes resulting in serious and fatal injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists.

In an effort to protect the safety of these most vulnerable road users, the St. Petersburg Police Department will conduct High Visibility Enforcement Details (HVE) from October 1st, 2018 through May 2019, at various areas throughout the city where there is high pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

The enforcement will kick-off Monday, October 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., along 34th Street North from 30th Avenue North to 38th Avenue North. This area was selected because two pedestrian fatality crashes occurred in the area this year:

1) On February 7, 2018 at approximately 9:50 p.m., a 47 year old man attempted to cross 34th Street North near 35th Avenue North, but was struck and killed by a vehicle.
2) On June 29, 2018 at approximately 2:30 am, a 58 year old man attempted to cross 34th Street North near 36th Avenue North, but was also struck and killed by a vehicle. Both men attempted to cross without using a marked crosswalk.

Any interested media please go to the shopping center parking lot in the southwest corner of 30th Avenue North and 34th Street. Sgt. Bill Burris and Lt. Ed Borrelli will be available to speak to interested media from 10 a.m.-11a.m.

HVE details are funded through a contract with the University of North Florida in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation’s focused initiative to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety. The goal of this enforcement effort is to increase awareness of and compliance with traffic laws that protect the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists.

Enforcement efforts will focus primarily on education to drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. However, violations may result in warnings or citations depending on the circumstances.

Remember:

Drivers, obey speed limits, never drive impaired, and always watch for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Bicyclists, obey traffic laws, ride in the direction of traffic, and use lights when riding at night.

Pedestrians, cross in crosswalks or at intersections, obey pedestrian signals, and make sure you are visible to drivers when walking at night.