As motorists, most of us take streetlights on our roads for granted, but when it comes to pedestrians and cyclists, lighting represents a critical component in keeping them safe.
And with pedestrians and cyclists injured or killed becoming far too common on our roads, Orange County has made roadway safety an important priority with programs like the Accelerated Transportation Safety Program and Vision Zero.
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and Commissioners have allocated $100 million for transportation needs over five years, with $55 million of this for roadway lighting, sidewalks and safety projects. The lighting portion provides $15 million to install 131 miles of new lighting on Orange County roads.
“Good lighting reduces nighttime crashes, especially at intersection crossings, and provides a safer environment for all road users,” said Colleen Lutz, assistant project manager, Orange County Public Works Engineering. “Better visibility enables drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to identify potential hazards faster, thus avoiding possible accidents.”
Although lighting improvements are underway on roadways across all six county districts, Lutz asserts that pedestrians need to do their part to stay safe.
“When possible, always use the lighted walkways,” she said. “The likelihood of being involved in a traffic accident is significantly diminished when you’re illuminated and drivers can see you.”
For more information on Orange County’s transportation initiative and to access the list of proposed roadway lighting, sidewalk and pedestrian safety projects, go to Accelerated Transportation Safety Program.
The Apopka Chief and The Planter are weekly community newspapers, independently owned and family operated, that have served the greater Apopka area in Central Florida since 1923 and 1965 respectively.
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