TAMPA, Fla. – The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is joining forces with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Seven in a significant effort to enhance road safety across the Tampa Bay area.
Through the “Enhanced Law Enforcement Engagement (ELEE)” program, a heightened law enforcement presence will be deployed on state roadways with historically high crash rates from today, June 1, 2025, through February 28, 2026.
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This collaborative initiative aims to not only increase enforcement of traffic laws but also to raise public awareness about the critical importance of safe driving practices. Beyond the increased patrols, First Responders will be actively engaging with the community by delivering educational presentations to schools within District Seven, with a particular focus on students enrolled in Driver Education classes.
The ELEE program’s efforts will strategically target specific areas outlined in the State Highway Strategic Safety Plan (SHSSP). These key focus areas include:
- Intersection Violations: Cracking down on dangerous behaviors at intersections that often lead to collisions.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Intensifying enforcement against impaired drivers to prevent tragic accidents.
- Speeding, Aggressive, and Distracted Driving: Addressing the dangerous trifecta of high-risk driving behaviors.
- Lane Departure: Focusing on drivers who drift out of their lanes, a common cause of serious crashes.
- Work Zone Violations: Ensuring the safety of road workers and drivers in construction zones.
- Move Over Violations: Reinforcing the crucial “Move Over” law to protect first responders and tow truck operators on the side of the road.
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“FDOT District Seven is committed to making our roads safer through partnerships with local first responders,” stated Emmeth Duran, P.E., FDOT District Seven Safety Engineer. “Through this program, we are working to reach FDOT’s target of zero fatal crashes and serious injuries.”
The ELEE pilot program, initially launched in 2022 by FDOT District Seven, has proven to be an effective strategy in their ongoing efforts to improve traffic safety. The program’s core purpose is to foster partnerships with local first responder agencies, ultimately working to reduce crashes and injuries on the state roads and federal highways managed by FDOT District Seven.
Residents can expect to see an increased FHP presence on Tampa Bay’s busiest roadways, serving as a constant reminder for drivers to prioritize safety and adhere to traffic laws.
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