Ocoee police to implement High Visibility Enforcement

With Orange County ranked in the top 25 counties in the state for traffic crashes involving serious and fatal injuries to bicyclists and pedestrians, the Ocoee Police Department is hoping it can help reduce these odds.

Ocoee Police Dep. Chief Saima Plasencia said the department will begin implementing High Visibility Enforcement Details, or HVE, Feb. 28 through May 1. 

The goal with increased police visibility and enforcement is to increase awareness of and compliance with traffic laws that protect the safety of both bicyclists and pedestrians. Plasencia said enforcement efforts will focus primarily on educating drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists; however, traffic violations may result in warnings or citations, depending on the circumstance.

Ocoee police will conduct HVE on Silver Star Road from Bowness Avenue to Coventry Lane, as well as on West Colonial Drive from State Road 429 to Good Homes Road.

"This area is over-represented in traffic crashes resulting in serious and fatal injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists," Plasencia said.

Plasencia said HVE details are funded through a contract with the University of North Florida in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation's initiative to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety. 

The Ocoee Police Department also is reminding drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians of the following traffic rules:

• Drivers: Obey speed limits, don't drive impaired and watch for pedestrians and bicyclists
• Bicyclists: Obey traffic laws, ride in the direction of traffic and use lights when riding at night
• Pedestrians: Cross in crosswalks or at intersections, obey pedestrian signals and make sure you're visible to drivers when walking at night