Best Foot Forward Officially Launches in Flagler County, Strengthening Pedestrian Safety Efforts

On March 17, 2025, the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners formally recognized the county’s commitment to pedestrian safety by passing a resolution of support for the Best Foot Forward (BFF) program. The meeting, held in Bunnell, FL, marked the official launch of Flagler’s participation in the nation’s largest grassroots pedestrian safety coalition. Partnered by the Volusia-Flagler Transportation Planning Organization (TPO), the program is designed to increase driver yielding rates at marked crosswalks and reduce pedestrian-related crashes. 

Addressing the Urgent Need for Pedestrian Safety in Flagler County 

Pedestrian and cyclist crashes in Flagler County are rising at an alarming rate, highlighting the urgent need for stronger safety measures: 

• 2022: 83 crashes | 4 serious injuries | 3 fatalities 

• 2023: 99 crashes | 11 serious injuries | 4 fatalities 

• 2024: 106 crashes | 14 serious injuries | 6 fatalities 

Source: Signal 4 Analytics  

In just three years, crashes have increased by 28%, and fatalities have doubled. These numbers represent more than statistics, they are lives lost and families impacted. Recognizing this growing crisis, Flagler County joined the Best Foot Forward program to implement proven strategies that improve driver yielding rates and prevent future tragedies. Now part of a regional effort alongside Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Polk, Marion, Brevard, and Volusia counties, Flagler is taking action to make its streets safer for everyone. 

How Best Foot Forward is Changing Pedestrian Safety 

Since 2012, BFF has successfully increased driver compliance with Florida’s crosswalk laws through its data-driven approach, aligning with Target Zero and Vision Zero efforts taking place across the region. Through this methodology, BFF equips communities with the tools and resources needed to improve pedestrian safety and reduce preventable crashes. 

• Education: Raising awareness among drivers and pedestrians about crosswalk laws and best practices. 

• Engineering: Recommending low-cost infrastructure improvements and tracking yield rate improvement before and after new engineering countermeasures. 

• Enforcement: Partnering with law enforcement to raise awareness and ensure compliance with pedestrian right-of-way laws. 

• Evaluation: Continuously measuring program effectiveness by tracking driver yield rates, monitoring crash data, and assessing the impact of enforcement and education efforts. 

This strategy has already led to significant improvements across Central Florida. In Volusia County, enforcement efforts resulted in a 23% increase in driver yielding rates at key crosswalks. 

Flagler County’s First Operation Best Foot Forward 

As part of its official launch, Flagler County participated in its first-ever Operation Best Foot Forward in February 2025, a high-visibility enforcement effort aimed at improving driver compliance with Florida’s crosswalk laws. Local law enforcement officers conducted 1.5-hour enforcements at two key intersections: 

SR 100 & Bulldog Dr.	SR 100 & Belle Terre Pkwy.

In total, officers issued 23 crosswalk warnings and six additional traffic warnings during the operation. Many drivers failed to yield to pedestrians, particularly when making right turns, and several were observed blocking the crosswalk, creating additional hazards for those on foot. The data collected from this operation will help inform future enforcement efforts and infrastructure improvements. 

The Road to Safer Streets in Flagler County 

With the official launch of the Best Foot Forward program, Flagler County is taking a proactive approach to making streets safer for all road users. By joining forces with neighboring counties, local agencies, and advocates, the county is working toward a future where pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers can coexist safely. 

Flagler’s participation in Best Foot Forward marks a major milestone in the region’s commitment to pedestrian safety—one that will help save lives and create a safer environment for all.