Daytona Beach Police Department to participate in High Visibility Enforcement Program

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

With Volusia County ranked among the top 25 counties in Florida for traffic crashes that have resulted in serious and fatal injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists, the Daytona Beach Police Department has announced its participation in the Florida Department of Transportation (HVE) Program, taking a proactive stance to address this alarming trend.

The program will educate motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians on Florida's traffic laws to enhance safety on Daytona Beach roads. Commencing this month and extending through May 2024, the Daytona Beach Police Department will deploy additional officers on patrol, specifically along corridors with a high occurrence of pedestrian and bicyclist crashes. The initiative aims to remind everyone, whether on foot, behind the wheel, or on a bike, of their responsibility to share the road safely. Understanding and adhering to the rules of the road is crucial to ensuring the safety of all road users.

Daytona Beach Police Officers will pay special attention to specific roadways, raising awareness about dangerous behaviors contributing to traffic crashes at these locations. Officers will be vigilant for speeding motorists, failure to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, improper turns, signal violations, and the use of handheld devices while driving.

Pedestrians crossing the street illegally or failing to yield to motorists with the right-of-way, while bicyclists riding against traffic or without proper lighting at night, will also be closely monitored. Officers will issue warnings and citations as deemed appropriate.

Funding for this comprehensive program is made possible through a contract with the University of North Florida's Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM), generously supported by the Florida Department of Transportation.

The Daytona Beach Police Department will utilize these funds for overtime hours for officers conducting operations and special training on Florida's bicycle and pedestrian laws, procedures, and best practices.