Patrols To Increase After Bradenton Traffic Fatalities Doubled: Police

BRADENTON, FL — With traffic fatalities doubling in Bradenton from 2020 to 2021, drivers can expect an increased police presence in high-crash traffic areas of the city.

There have been five deadly crashes in the city this year, prompting the Bradenton Police Department to take action, according to a news release from the agency. Manatee County is also among the 25 counties in Florida with the highest number of crashes resulting in serious and fatal injuries of pedestrians and bicyclists.

Additional officers will patrol specific corridors, targeting areas with a high number of pedestrian- and bicycle-involved crashes. Increased patrols started immediately along 8th Avenue W. between 12th Street W. and 14th Street W.

Other locations will be added Feb. 1, 2023, including:

• 4th Street W. between 9th Avenue W. and 21st Avenue W.
• 1st Street between 9th Avenue W. and the CSX railroad
• Manatee Avenue W. between 35th Street W. and 43rd Street W.

The additional patrols are part of the Florida Department of Transportation High Visibility Enforcement Program, which is designed to educate motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians on the state’s traffic laws, and will run until May 12, 2023, Bradenton police said.

Officers will look for drivers speeding, failing to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, conducting improper turns or signal violations, and using hand-held devices while driving. They’ll also watch for pedestrians who cross the street illegally or fail to yield to motorists who have right-of-way. Bicyclists will be stopped for riding against traffic, riding at night without lights or not abiding by the same laws as motor vehicles. Warnings and citations will be issued only when appropriate, police said.

Funding for this program is provided through a contract with University of North Florida’s Institute of Police Technology and Management, which is funded by the Florida Department of Transportation.

BPD will receive funds for overtime hours for officers to conduct operations and for special training on Florida’s bicycle and pedestrian laws, procedures, and best practices.