LAKELAND, FL – On April 26th from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM, FHP Troopers, Lakeland Police and FDOT Officials joined together to conduct Operation P.E.D.S. along the Memorial Boulevard corridor.
The pedestrian education and enforcement detail (P.E.D.S), has Troopers and Officers observing for pedestrian, bicycle and motorist violations that occur at or near intersections, in an effort to reduce pedestrian and cyclist-related traffic crashes.
The effort is in response to the 239 crashes involving vulnerable road users in 2017, 13 of which were fatal. In 2018, that number increased to 321 crashes with 24 fatalities reported.
The April 26th operation resulted in 19 citations, 6 drug arrests, 42 pedestrian warnings, and 12 bicyclist warnings.
Pedestrian Safety:
• 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.
See https://www.flhsmv.gov/safety-center/driving-safety/share-the-road/ for additional safety information
