Rep. Randy Fine Proposes ‘Sophia Nelson Pedestrian Safety Act’ to End Flashing Yellow Light Crosswalks
By Space Coast Daily // February 18, 2021
FINE: Sophia died because traffic designers ignored 100 years of basic driver education
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Representative Randy Fine (R-Palm Bay) and Senator Keith Perry introduced a bill on Thursday that would require the state to end the use of flashing yellow light crosswalks that led to the untimely death of 12 year-old Brevard County student Sophia Nelson.
“Sophia died because traffic designers ignored 100 years of basic driver education – when you want a car to stop, you make the light red,” said State Representative Randy Fine.
These crosswalks, of which there are several dozen in Brevard County, create a false – and lethal — sense of security for pedestrians. This is a simple bill – if you want to tell drivers to stop for pedestrians, don’t use a yellow light. Make it red.”
Senator Keith Perry, from District 8, echoed those remarks and added the current procedure.in place gives pedestrians a false sense of security.
“Prioritizing the safety of our children and families should be of the upmost importance. The current setup at most mid-block pedestrian crosswalks is designed to give pedestrians a false sense of security. I am frustrated by the recent tragedies in Gainesville involving several UF students. Let’s not wait for the death of another pedestrian before we do what is necessary.”
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