ORLANDO, Fla. — UCF’s police chief said crews are installing new pedestrian signs on the UCF campus Wednesday with the goal of keeping pedestrians safe.
Police Chief Carl Metzger said the department has been trying to get this type of signage on campus for almost a year.
The new signage with flashing lights is designed to draw more attention help make sure drivers fully stop when pedestrians are walking through intersections.
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This comes almost a week after Orlando topped the list for the most dangerous areas in the country for walkers.
Starting Friday, UCF police said they will also be upping enforcement to remind drivers that they need to stop when the lights on the new signs are flashing.
"We come here to learn not to get hit by a car," said student Pedro Irizarry.
Florida Highway Patrol said the reaction time for cars going the 30 mph speed limit on campus will take 40 feet to stop.
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After a month, the department said it will start instituting fines for those not abiding by the rules.
UCF student Shaquille Georges said the new initiatives do make him feel safer walking across campus.
"I believe it's a little safer knowing that officers are trying to keep us safe,” he said. “Especially on weekends and stuff when there’s no telling if drivers are under the influence or what not."
On an average day, there can be more than 68,000 students and 12,000 faculty members walking around campus.
But the pedestrian safety issues don't stop when students step off campus. FHP is also working to increase pedestrian safety just outside the campus lines at Alafaya Trail and University Boulevard.
Cox Media Group
