KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Law enforcement is teaming up with a local nonprofit as part of a quarterly initiative to improve pedestrian safety.
Operation Best Foot Forward, a two-week campaign launched Feb. 11, aims to enhance safety across Central Florida by raising awareness about Florida’s driver yield laws, which grant pedestrians the right-of-way at crosswalks.
Spanning seven counties—Brevard, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Flagler, and Volusia—this high-visibility operation is part of a broader effort to eliminate traffic-related serious injuries and fatalities.
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During the operation, plainclothes officers strategically cross streets at marked crosswalks, providing drivers ample time to slow down and stop.
Drivers who fail to comply with the law face a minimum $164 citation and three points on their driver’s license.
The majority of the crosswalks selected for enforcement are located within one mile of schools, where students frequently walk.
On Wednesday, Kissimmee Police were at a trail crossing on Hoagland Boulevard and pulled over several drivers who failed to yield to pedestrians.
“We had a couple of near misses and if they blatantly do not stop for a pedestrian, you’re probably going to receive a citation,” Captain Mike Tilden said.
According to data collected by Best Foot Forward, there was a driver yield rate of 45% at crosswalks patrolled in 2024.
Data also showed Florida was ranked third in the nation for children’s pedestrian deaths involving motor vehicle crashes.
Operation Best Foot Forward is a component of a larger coalition effort to enhance road safety in Central Florida.
The organization said research indicates that a combination of enforcement, education, and engineering over time can significantly improve driver compliance with pedestrian right-of-way laws.
Operation Best Foot Forward will run at several intersections until Feb. 21.
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