ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County, home to some of the state’s busiest and most pedestrian-heavy areas, has long struggled with high rates of pedestrian fatalities.
A 2023 report compiled by Injured in Florida – personal injury attorneys – show Orange County as the third-deadliest in the state for pedestrians, a sobering statistic that has fueled a new wave of safety measures. In response, the county has launched the Accelerated Transportation Safety Program (ATSP) alongside the national Vision Zero initiative to transform the safety of its streets.
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“We heard loudly and clearly from our residents that they want to see improvements in pedestrian safety, bicycle safety, road improvements, lighting, et cetera. That is something that is consistent throughout the county,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings during a Board of County Commissioners meeting.
Led by Demings, the ATSP commits $100 million over the next five years to projects aimed at improving pedestrian safety. Funded through existing revenue sources, this initiative brings together local, state, and national partners to create more secure walking and biking routes, enhance lighting, and improve transit accessibility.
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Vision Zero: A commitment to zero fatalities
In conjunction with ATSP, Orange County has also adopted the Vision Zero framework, a national safety strategy with the ambitious goal of eliminating all traffic fatalities and serious injuries. By focusing on safe, healthy, and equitable mobility options, Vision Zero serves as the county’s guiding principle in reshaping transportation safety.
“As part of the Vision Zero initiative and working in coordination with the commissioners and the public, we determine nine projects. These nine projects account for corridors, intersections, as well as area wide studies,” explained Humberto Castillero, the Orange County Public Works Traffic Engineering Division manager.
Safety improvements in action
A comprehensive set of projects is underway across Orange County, with a specific focus on fourteen schools to ensure student safety. Planned upgrades include:
- Sidewalk and curb ramp reconstruction: Upgraded walkways and ramps for accessibility.
- Intersection lighting: Improved visibility to prevent nighttime accidents.
- Raised crosswalks and pedestrian signals: Increasing pedestrian visibility and control.
- Rapid-flashing beacons: Enhanced signal technology to alert drivers to pedestrian crossings.
The investment breakdown allocates 55% of the funding for roadway lighting, sidewalks, and other safety improvements and the remaining 45% for enhancing public transit, boosting LYNX bus frequency and adding new bus shelters to improve user experience.
As of Monday, Orange County Public Works has completed 19 projects through the program, including nine miles of new sidewalk, 11 miles of new street lights, nine speed tables installed, six LYNX routes with reduced wait times, and a new LYNX airport-to-Disney Springs bus route.
A dedicated funding strategy
The ATSP was developed in the wake of a 2022 sales tax referendum that failed to pass, leaving Orange County officials to rely on existing funds for essential safety and transit improvements. Each Orange County commission district played a role in identifying unique project needs to create an equitable and effective plan.
In total, the county anticipates that using the sales tax at its current rate would fund $100 million for transportation safety over the next five years.
Accessing the ATSP Dashboard: Citizen engagement made easy
For a clear view of the projects funded by the ATSP, Orange County Public Works has developed an interactive map known as the ATSP Dashboard. Created by the GIS team, this tool provides a visual overview of $55 million in traffic safety projects. Residents can explore upcoming projects in their district, accessing both visual data and textual summaries that outline safety upgrades and timelines.
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