Law Enforcement Agencies Partner to Improve Pedestrian Safety

Florida doubles the national average in pedestrian fatalities, authorities say.

In an effort to curb those figures, the Florida Department of Transportation is extending pedestrian safety grants, which were paid for by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Tampa Police Department and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office will both receive $100,000.

A total of eight jurisdictions are receiving funding. The other six are: Florida Highway Patrol, Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Pasco County Sheriff's Office, Largo Police Department, Pinellas Park Police Department, New Port Richey Police Department.

The grant money will increase the number of law enforcement officers in crosswalk enforcement during rush hour.

Since the federal grants began three years ago, the Tampa Police Department has conducted 60 crosswalk enforcement operations and issued 3,409 citations for cars violating pedestrian right of way.

Officers have also issued 1,593 warnings for pedestrians not using crosswalks. This enforcement coupled with education efforts has impacted pedestrian deaths.

Some City of Tampa statistics:

• 2013 - 1 pedestrian death

• 2012 - 4 pedestrian deaths

• 2011 - 14 pedestrian deaths

• 2010 - 17 pedestrian deaths

What do you think about the grant money? How else do you think pedestrian deaths can be eradicated? Tell us in the comments.