Authorities Share Pedestrian Safety Tips

The Largo Police Department received a from the state Department of Transportation (FDOT).

There have been in town in 2012, which is part of an unsettling trend law enforcement is trying to curb with an education and enforcement program.

This grant requires officers to be highly productive... in pedestrian infraction enforcement. The goal of this operation is to change behavior through enforcement and to reduce the number of senseless deaths and injuries of pedestrians, according to the Largo Police Facebook page.

Here are some friendly pedestrian safety tips:

1. Where sidewalks are provided walk on the sidewalk.
2. Walk on sidewalks or paths. If there's no sidewalk, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
3. Cross at marked crosswalks or intersections.
4. Dress to be seen. Wear visible/reflective clothing.
5. Follow the pedestrian signal, not the overhead traffic signal.
6. Look left, right, and left again before crossing the street. Try to make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Don't assume that the driver sees you, because you see the driver. Keep looking as you cross.
7. Drivers should watch for pedestrians at all times.
8. Don't drive or walk distracted. Don't talk/text on a cell phone or wear earphones while crossing the street.

Florida laws for pedestrians and drivers to know.

For more information and/or questions please contact the Largo Police Traffic Safety Unit at 587-6730.