Release posted on 05-22-19 at 8:40 a.m.

In an effort to make St. Petersburg roadways safer, the St. Petersburg Police Department is partnering with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Seven through an Enhanced Law Enforcement Engagement (ELEE) program.From May through October 2023, the St. Petersburg Police Department will expand officer presence on state roadways with high crash rates, increasing public awareness of the importance of safe driving.

St, Petersburg had 38 fatal crashes in 2022. While the numbers have decreased to 11 fatal crashes compared to 20 by this time last year, even one fatal crash is too many. Most are preventable.

Enforcement efforts will focus on specific areas of the State Highway Strategic Safety Plan (SHSSP). Focus areas include:

• Intersection Violations
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
• Speeding, Aggressive, and Distracted Driving
• Lane Departure
• Work Zone violations
• Move Over violations

"FDOT District Seven is committed to making our roads safer through partnerships with local law enforcement agencies," said FDOT District Seven Safety Engineer Emmeth Duran, P.E. "Through this program, we are working to reach FDOT's target of zero fatal crashes and serious injuries."

The ELEE pilot program was launched in 2022 by FDOT District Seven to expand its efforts to improve traffic safety. In its second year, the purpose of the ELEE program is to partner with local law enforcement agencies to reduce crashes and injuries on the state roads and federal highways FDOT District Seven manages.