Lakeland, FLa.(970 WFLA)-The Florida Highway Patrol is partnering with the Lakeland Police Department today to begin Operation P.E.D.S. along the Memorial Boulevard corridor.
This pedestrian education and enforcement detail begins at 2:00 PM and conclude at 6:00 PM. Law Enforcement Officers will be looking for pedestrian, bicycle and motorist violations that occur at or near intersections.
During 2016 and 2017, there were 224 and 235 such crashes respectively resulting in a total of 33 fatalities; thus, the purpose of this initiative is to reduce the number of pedestrian and cyclist related traffic crashes.
Pedestrian Safety Tips:• Walk on sidewalks.• Cross at marked crosswalks or intersections.• Dress to be seen. Wear visible clothing.• Follow the pedestrian signal, not the overhead traffic signal.
Photo Credit:Florida Highway Patrol