PINE HILLS, Fla. \u2013 A new study is putting numbers behind what many in Pine Hills have said for years: the roads can be dangerous. <\/p>\n
Hundreds of crashes \u2014 including dozens involving pedestrians \u2014 are highlighted in a new Orange County report. <\/p>\n
Tonight, two community meetings are giving neighbors a chance to share concerns and push for safety improvements, especially along Silver Star Road and Hiawassee Road. <\/p>\n
\u201cThere have been hundreds of crashes right here at this intersection \u2014 Silver Star Road and Hiawassee Road \u2014 according to a new study on bicyclist and pedestrian safety,” said Orange County District 6 Commissioner Mike Scott<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve had some pedestrian challenges, where folks have had near misses and car accidents,\u201d said Julien Serrano-O\u2019Neil of the Pine Hills Community Council. \u201cSo this is about making it a more pedestrian-friendly environment, but also a safer environment.\u201d <\/p>\n
Several neighbors at the Multicultural Center in Pine Hills shared ideas to improve their community. <\/p>\n
\u201cOne of the topics residents talked about was safety \u2014 especially along Silver Star Road, where there were eight pedestrian crashes last year.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cPedestrian safety is important, and it\u2019s vital \u2014 especially considering Evans High School is right there,\u201d Serrano-O\u2019Neil said. <\/p>\n
\u201cMore lights. More traffic lights, where pedestrians can push a button to cross,\u201d said Linda Chisholm, a Pine Hills resident. <\/p>\n
\u201cAnd then there\u2019s Hiawassee Road. According to a pedestrian and bicycle safety study released last month by Orange County, this roadway has seen 37 pedestrian crashes from 2019 to 2024. <\/p>\n
\u201cAnd right here \u2014 where it meets Silver Star Road \u2014 the report says there have been 465 total crashes.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s one of our heavy traffic areas \u2014 even Darden \u2014 where there have been many accidents,\u201d said Jacqueline Taylor, a Pine Hills resident. \u201cTo see improvements there for safety is definitely needed.\u201d <\/p>\n
Orange County said the study and community feedback will help shape what comes next for Hiawassee. <\/p>\n
We reached out to FDOT about projects along Silver Star Road and will update you when we hear back.<\/p>\n
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