Orange City Police Department to participate in the High Visibility Enforcement program.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

The Orange City Police Department is participating in the Florida Department of Transportation High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) Program to reverse the trend of Volusia County ranking among the top 25 counties in Florida for traffic crashes resulting in serious and fatal injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists. The program aims to educate motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians on Florida’s traffic laws to improve safety on city roads.

The program will launch in May 2023, and several officers from the patrol division volunteered to conduct High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) at specific corridors on South Volusia Avenue with high pedestrian and bicyclist crashes, to work towards increasing awareness of dangerous behaviors contributing to serious and fatal injuries at these locations. The specific corridors on South Volusia Avenue are from Miller Road to East Elm Drive, and from East Rhode Island Avenue to East Blue Springs Avenue.

According to a release, the HVE program will focus on reducing the incidences of drivers speeding, failing to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, conducting improper turns or signal violations, and using handheld devices while driving. Officers will look for pedestrians who cross the street illegally or fail to yield to motorists who have the right-of-way. Bicyclists who ride against traffic, ride at night without lights or fail to abide by the same laws as motor vehicles will also be stopped.

"Understanding the rules of the road helps ensure we all arrive at our destination safely and makes our streets safer for everyone," said Orange City Police Chief Wayne Miller.

The University of North Florida's Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM), supported by the Florida Department of Transportation through grants, will provide funding for the HVE program through a contract with the Orange City Police Department. The city has received funding for overtime hours for officers conducting operations and specialized training on Florida’s bicycle and pedestrian laws, procedures, and best practices.

The Orange City Police Department offers the following tips to keep the public safe when biking, driving, or walking:

• Drivers: obey speed limits, never drive impaired, and always watch for pedestrians and bicyclists
• Bicyclists: obey traffic laws, ride in the direction of traffic, and use lights when riding at night
• Pedestrians: cross crosswalks or at intersections, obey pedestrian signals, and ensure you are visible to drivers when walking at night.