BFF Stories from 2019 You Don’t Want to Miss

The Best Foot Forward team stayed busy throughout 2019. We worked with our partners to conduct 5 Operation BFFs, educated thousands of kids about pedestrian safety, attended community events and kept our eye on new laws designed to help protect pedestrians. Take a look at our Top 5 Most Viewed stories from 2019.

1. Texting and Driving is Now a Primary Offense in Florida

In July of 2019, texting and driving became a primary offense in Florida. That means officers and deputies can now pull you over and ticket you for texting and driving. Read exactly what the law says, and how it addresses lawmakers’ concerns.

2. No Wheels Necessary: Starting Your Own Walking School Bus

A Walking School Bus (WSB) is a safe, active and fun way for kids to get to school. Like a traditional school bus, the WSB has a route and children meet at designated pickup points. Instead of being picked up by a bus, students are picked up by adult leaders who walk them to and from school as a group. Here’s how you can start your own walking school bus.

3. Operation BFF in Orlando and Orange County on 9/18/19

Law enforcement from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Orlando Police Department hit the streets to enforce Florida’s driver yield law at a number of crosswalks and educate drivers on the importance of yielding to pedestrians in marked crosswalks. Read about the chosen crosswalks and how making them safer will help protect local families.

4. Orange County Students Create Award-Winning PED Safety Posters

Three Lake Sybelia Elementary students each took home first place in their respective age groups for 2019’s WalkSafe Poster Contest. The students showed off their artwork and smiles while helping educate kids on pedestrian safety. Check out their masterpieces.

5. Osceola Deputies, Kissimmee PD Crack Down on Drivers Who Put Pedestrians in Danger

The Greater Orlando Metro Area was ranked #1 most dangerous in the nation for pedestrians, by Smart Growth America’s 2019 Dangerous by Design report. In November, Osceola County Sheriff’s Deputies and Kissimmee Police Officers held an Operation BFF, where they monitored a number of crosswalks and ticketed drivers who failed to yield for pedestrians, as Florida law requires. Read which crosswalks officers chose to focus on—and why.