Operation Best Foot Forward: 114 citations, 78 warnings, $180,000 in media coverage

Operation Best Foot Forward made quite the impression this time around with six TV stations, two radio stations and four digital print outlets equaling $180,000 in media coverage value and engaging 257,000 pro-ped people through BFF’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. Local motorists got the message too with the 114 citations– a fine of $164 or 3 points to their driver’s license – and 78 warnings from the Orlando Police Department (OPD) and Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OSCO) for failing to yield to a ped crossing in a marked crosswalk as Florida statue requires.

Since the beginning in June 2013, the BFF numbers have really added up: OPD and OCSO have enforced 45 crosswalks and issued 1,915 citations and 3,955 warnings. These efforts have equaled $2,106,468 (yep, $2 million) in earned media coverage.

¿Hablas Español? Because it is about engaging people, the BFF message reached a new population – Central Florida’s Spanish-speakers. Big thanks to News Channel 13’s Infomas and Telemundo Orlando. The word is out. This community is serious about pedestrian safety.

The next enforcement will be in June – just in time for kids starting their summer vacation.