Orange County Steps Up to Make Pedestrian Safety a Top Priority

Accelerated Transportation Safety Program and Vision Zero Initiative Now Active

For years, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has found that Orange County is the third-deadliest county for pedestrians in the state.

In response to the dismal numbers, Orange County has undertaken several local, state and national initiatives to improve security for walkers and bikers.

“Pedestrian safety is a top priority for us, as we want to provide a safe transportation infrastructure to connect communities and help businesses,” said Yougens Pierre, Engineer III, Traffic Engineering, Orange County Public Works. “We want everyone to feel safe and secure when walking and biking, and we’ve initiated specific programs and strategies to achieve this goal.”

Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings initiated the Accelerated Transportation Safety Program, which provides $100M to initiate transit, safety, sidewalk and lighting projects, all directly related to improving pedestrian safety. Additionally, the County has adopted the national Vision Zero initiative as a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries while also increasing safe, healthy and equitable mobility for all.

Several pedestrian safety projects are either in development or underway on various roadways and at fourteen Orange County schools. Enhancements at these locations include sidewalk/curb ramp reconstruction, intersection lighting improvements, pedestrian signals with raised crosswalks, and rectangular rapid-flashing beacons.

For an overview on the Accelerated Transportation Safety Program, go to ATSP.