Bunnell, FL — Today, the Bunnell Police Department, in partnership with Bike/Walk Central Florida (BWCF) through its “Best Foot Forward” initiative, joined community leaders and Bunnell Elementary School staff near the crosswalk at Chapel Street and East Moody Boulevard in downtown Bunnell. The group waved signs reminding motorists of Florida law requiring drivers to stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks.
The effort underscores a serious safety concern. On average, about 30 percent of drivers in Florida stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. In December 2025, a Bunnell Police employee was struck by a vehicle at this crosswalk while stopping traffic so children could safely cross the street on their way to school. Detectives later located the driver, who was criminally charged with Reckless Driving and Leaving the Scene of a Crash.
Florida law requires drivers to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and strictly enforces reduced speed limits in school zones, where speeding fines are doubled. During today’s operation, officers stopped several vehicles for speeding in the school zone. Other drivers were observed holding cell phones, which is prohibited by law while operating a motor vehicle in a school zone.
Despite clear signage, roadway markings, flashing school zone beacons, a marked Bunnell Police Public Safety vehicle with activated blue and yellow lights, and uniformed crossing guards wearing high-visibility vests, drivers often claim they were unaware of the law or did not see the warnings.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the data indicated in recent years, distracted driving fatalities in Florida have been on the rise, with nearly 300 deaths attributed to distracted driving in a recent year, emphasizing distraction remains a deadly threat on Florida’s roads. Also, Florida recorded over 10,000 pedestrian-related crashes and 765 pedestrian fatalities statewide in 2022. And roughly every 44 seconds a crash occurs on state roadways, and one in seven crashes involves a distracted driver.
“There’s no good reason for any of this. Drivers must be prepared to stop at crosswalks and slow down in school zones—every single time,” said Bunnell Police Chief David Brannon. “Distractions and rushing to be on time put lives at risk, especially the lives of children.” He added, “Thank you to the motorists we saw today driving responsibly.”
Chief Brannon took the opportunity to remind the community, “February 7th is recognized annually as Florida School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day, honoring the men and women who step into traffic each day to help children safely cross our roadways. While crossing guards may not be on duty that day, appreciation is best demonstrated year-round—especially in school zones—by slowing down, staying alert, and obeying the laws designed to protect them. Every driver plays a vital role in ensuring crossing guards return home safely after each shift. Safety is a shared responsibility—and one moment of patience can prevent a lifetime of regret.”
About the Best Foot Forward
Best Foot Forward is a pedestrian safety initiative focused on improving behavior at crosswalks by increasing the number of drivers who stop for people crossing. The program centers on one clear, measurable goal: making crosswalks safer through consistent, visible, and data-informed strategies.
Rather than relying on a single solution, Best Foot Forward brings together education, enforcement, engineering, and evaluation to address crosswalk safety in a coordinated way. This approach helps communities better understand driver behavior, improve visibility and awareness, and track progress over time.
