+ YOUR Local
Shared Road,
Shared Responsibility
In March, local law enforcement agencies are reminding residents about the laws
that all road users should know through the Operation Vision Zero campaign.
Whether you’re hitting the
road in a car, on a bike, or
simply taking a walk, it’s crucial
to take the proper precautions as you
navigate the roadways. While most people
know to look both ways, some might
be surprised to learn that other basic road
practices are enforced by law to safeguard
pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists.
This month, law enforcement
agencies across Orange, Seminole, Brevard
and Volusia counties are on a mission
to save lives through Operation
Vision Zero (OVZ). The first multi-jurisdictional,
high-visibility enforcement
and public awareness campaign calls on
drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians to exercise
greater caution and obey Florida’s
traffic safety laws.
Because March is the second highest
month for pedestrian and bicyclist injuries
and fatalities collectively in the four
counties, it’s the perfect time to refresh
on some of Florida’s road laws.
Driving carelessly isn’t just
dangerous — it’s illegal
While it’s common knowledge that
texting and driving, driving while impaired,
and other careless practices like
running red lights are against the law,
simple acts of recklessness are also illegal.
This includes driving too fast around
curves and corners. As part of OVZ,
32 Central Florida Lifestyle | March 2020
each participating law enforcement
agency has identified corridors and intersections
within their jurisdiction with a
high representation of traffic crashes resulting
in serious and fatal injuries to pedestrians
and bicyclists. These locations
are referred to as Vision Zero Zones.
If there are no sidewalks, walk
against traffic
Road safety laws affect everyone,
and that includes pedestrians. Many
walkers and runners may know it’s wise
to walk on the left side of the road to see
oncoming traffic, but they might not be
aware that it’s also the law in some cases.
If there’s no sidewalk present, pedestrians
are legally required to walk against the
traffic.
Bicyclists must follow the same
laws as drivers
Because our roads are shared by
people operating different types of vehicles,
it’s vital to keep in mind everyone’s
rights and respect them. By law, bikes
and human-powered vehicles have all
rights and duties applicable to any other
vehicle. This includes rights to full use of
the turn lane and the responsibility to signal
turns. Officers at Vision Zero Zones
will also monitor bicyclists failing to obey
the same rules as drivers, including traffic
signs, signals and lane markings.
Leaving the scene is a felony
As much as we strive to follow
the rules of the road and be safe,
crashes do happen. If you’re involved
in a crash that involves an injury
or fatality, it’s crucial to stay at the
scene. In fact, departing the scene of
a crash involving a fatality or injury
of a vulnerable road user is a felony
and can result in jail time.
There are several laws involving
sidewalks and paths
For example, it’s illegal to stop,
stand or park a vehicle on a sidewalk.
This also applies to crosswalks, bike
lanes and bike paths. At Vision Zero
Zones, officers will look for pedestrians
crossing the street illegally or
failing to yield drivers who have the
right of way.
All road users have a responsibility
to follow the law. Working
together to make our roads safer in
Central Florida isn’t just critical, it’s
a necessity to save lives.