Safety

MetroPlan Orlando addresses safety at each stage of the planning process. We strive to provide information, educational resources and guidance to help people make safe choices in transportation. Through this effort, MetroPlan Orlando has built partnerships with local and state law enforcement, emergency management, media and incident responders to address traffic crashes. The goal is to improve transportation safety through a “Triple E” approach: Engineering, Education and Enforcement.

BICYCLIST SAFETY

MetroPlan Orlando studied ten streets with bike lanes and ten streets without bike lanes to see how those results impact safety. Click here to learn more.

Crash Statistics

MetroPlan Orlando maintains a crash database for the Central Florida area – Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. This helps us keep a close eye on crash statistics and trends.
From the years 2011 to 2015, there was an overall increase in Central Florida crashes. These are highlights from an analysis of crash statistics:

• The overall number of crashes rose from 1,335 in 2011 to 2,960 in 2015 – an increase of 82%
• Automobile crashes were up by 63.7%
• Crashes involving a pedestrian rose by 8.9%
• Bicycle crashes were up by 29%
• While there was a significant increase in the number of crashes, there were 23.3% fewer fatalities, which were down from 296 in 2011 to 227 in 20

Fatalities and Incapacitating Injuries from Crashes: 2011 vs. 2015

*Incapacitating injuries are disabling injuries, such as broken bones or severed limbs, and usually require hospitalization and transport to a medical facility (Source: Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles).

Members of the media can obtain specific crash statistics by submitting requests to Cynthia Lambert, public information manager (clambert@metroplanorlando.com or 407-481-5672 x320).

Community Traffic Safety Teams

In addition to incorporating safety in transportation planning, MetroPlan Orlando partners with local governments, transportation agencies and Community Traffic Safety Teams (CTSTs) to address safety concerns in Central Florida. CTSTs work toward a common goal of reducing the number of traffic crashes, as well as reducing the number of fatalities and injuries that result from traffic crashes. CTSTs incorporate the 4 Es of traffic safety in their approach: Engineering, Enforcement, Education and Emergency Services.

Safety Tips

By having respect for the rights and safety of everyone, we can make our roads safer. Some safety tips for motorists:

• Stay alert and yield to pedestrians at intersections – even if you have a green light. To learn more about how you can better ensure pedestrian safety, visit the Best Foot Forward website.
• Proceed with care when navigating through school zones and through neighborhoods where children may be playing.
• Exercise patience when driving and especially when passing a bicycle. For additional tips on sharing the road with a bicyclist and your responsibilities as a motorist, visit this web page.
• Use care at railroad crossings – trains are three feet wider than the tracks. Make sure you don’t stop with part of your vehicle in the path of an oncoming train. Operation Lifesaver has more safety tips for railroad crossings.

Pedestrians and bicyclists can make their travel safer by following these tips:

• Best Foot Forward offers tips for safe walking and points the way to other resources that will help you become a better-educated pedestrian.
• Florida law gives bicyclists the same rights to roadways as drivers of other vehicles. Follow these 10 Tips for Successful Cycling and enjoy the ride.
• You and your kids can learn more about getting to school safely and access classroom resources at the National Center for Safe Routes to School.

Taking the bus or commuter rail is becoming a more frequent choice for many people in Central Florida.

• The Florida Transit Safety Network provides a forum for public transit agencies to address safety concerns and LYNX offers a number of tips to make for a more pleasant bus ride.