CLEARWATER, Fla. – The Clearwater Police Department is entering the final phase of a $22,969 safety contract aimed at reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities among pedestrians and bicyclists.
The initiative, which began in October and concludes on May 8, utilizes High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) details. These patrols are funded through a partnership between the University of North Florida and the Florida Department of Transportation.
The program was established in response to Pinellas County’s ranking within the top 25 Florida counties for traffic crashes resulting in serious or fatal injuries to vulnerable road users.
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According to department data, enforcement efforts have been concentrated on several high-traffic corridors, including:
- Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard
- Drew Street
- Court Street
- Missouri Avenue
The department stated that the primary objective of the HVE details is to increase awareness of and compliance with existing traffic laws. While the focus remains on educating drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists, officers are authorized to issue citations for violations depending on the specific circumstances of the encounter.
Safety guidelines emphasized during this campaign include:
- For Drivers: Adherence to speed limits and move-over laws, and maintaining a constant lookout for pedestrians and cyclists.
- For Bicyclists: Following all traffic laws, riding in the same direction as traffic flow, and using active lighting during nighttime hours.
- For Pedestrians: Utilizing marked crosswalks or intersections, obeying pedestrian signals, and ensuring visibility to motorists when walking at night.
The campaign remains active through the first week of May as part of the state’s broader focused initiative to improve road safety for non-motorists.
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