On Tuesday May 10th, Kissimmee Police and Osceola Sheriff’s Office Deputies joined nine other law enforcement agencies across Central Florida in enforcing Florida’s driver yield laws during the largest crosswalk enforcement in Central Florida history. Drivers who fail to yield or stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks received warnings or citations to spotlight the importance of staying alert at all trail crossings.
The popular Kissimmee Loop Trail Crossing at 898 N. Hoagland Blvd.was one of the locations where local law enforcement and Operation Best Foot Forward, which is administrated by Bike Walk Central Florida, worked together to educate and remind the public about Florida’s driver yield laws.
Dubbed Operation Best Foot Forward, these crosswalk enforcement actions are part of a greater, comprehensive effort to educate drivers about Florida’s driver yield laws and curb the pattern of aggressive behavior towards pedestrians. Plainclothes deputies and officers cross the street at marked crosswalks during the operation, giving drivers ample time to yield as Florida law requires. Drivers who fail to comply may be issued a warning or a citation starting at $164 and three points on their license.
Participating agencies in Osceola County typically include the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Kissimmee Police Department, and the St. Cloud Police Department. By increasing awareness of other road users, these law enforcement agencies and the rest of the Best Foot Forward coalition work to improve Central Florida streets for all through enforcement, ongoing evaluations, and the implementation of engineering solutions.