HWY 192 – Traffic Crash Study

Common Goal – To improve the quality of life in the City of Kissimmee by reducing the number and

severity of Traffic crashes.

Steps taken to obtain a Highway Safety Grant

Issue: Police Officers reported an increase in the number and severity of traffic crashes occurring on Hwy. 192/Vine Street. The Officers concerns were giving to the Osceola County Community Traffic Safety Team and the issue was assigned to the Florida Department of Transportation CTST members for follow-up.

Addressing the Issue:CTST – Local organization with regular members who represent their own agency from either an enforcement, engineering, education or emergency medical services discipline. By working together with interested citizens and other traffic safety advocates within the community, the CTST helps to solve local traffic safety problems related to the driver, the vehicle and the roadway. 

3.1 mile Study area of Hwy. 192

1999 - 753 Crashes (KPD short & long forms)This data includes all of the roadway (Vine) in the city limits.Information obtained from Kissimmee Police Department Records.

1999 - 480 Crashes (long form reports only)This data was obtained by Osceola County Engineering

2000 - 868 Crashes (KPD short & long forms)This data includes all of the roadway (Vine) in the city limits.Information obtained from Kissimmee Police Department Records.

2001 - 775 Crashes (KPD short & long forms)This data includes all of the roadway (Vine) in the city limits.Information obtained from Kissimmee Police Department Records.

Local, County and State data was obtained and reviewed concerning the Hwy. 192 Study.

1998 - 397 CrashesThis data is within the 3.1 mile Vine Street CorridorInformation obtained by Kimley-Horn Associates, Inc.

Engineering firm plotted every crash on a diagram and listed

cause factor.

Cost per Crash

Federal Government - $2.6 million per fatality.

State of Florida - $1,280,000 per crash. This includes Damage to vehicle, LostWages, Pain and Suffering, fatalities,Police, EMT, Hospital and etc.

Information based on Historical data in regards to a six (6)lane, urban divided highway.

Information from FDOT & Kimley-Horn Associates, Inc.

Results of Study:

The findings of the study were very revealing and identified an engineering topic (multi-directional lanes) that could be corrected. The improvements would have an immediate impact on the reduction of traffic crashes.

How do you get local, State and Federal support along with financial commitment on a documented problem with an identifiable solution?

Bring the issues Home…..

Talk to the Press, Residents, Business Owners, Community Leaders.

Present what the research revealed but take the time to present the issues on a personal level.

West Vine approaching JohnYoung Parkway.

Notice pedestrian crossing inroadway and the heavy congestedtraffic with car in backgroundattempting to cross West Vine.

West Vine east of John YoungPkwy.

Notice the aggressive drivingbehavior.

Friendly Gesture

Pedestrian in roadway.

W. Vine by Albertson’s parking

lot.

Vehicle attempting to head Westbound on Vine Street after violatingthe right or way to oncoming traffic.

West Vine east of John YoungPkwy.

Notice two vehicles attempting to usethe center lane - blocking each otherand then another car leaving theparking lot heading towards the twovehicles which are grid locked.

Vehicle exiting Subway parking lot

Notice vehicle edging its way out to cross Vine Street. Observe the red vehicle occupying inside lane.(Major Hazard) Blind Spots resulting in many of the crashes.

Car (Blind Spot)

West Vine exiting Walgreensparking lot.

Pickup truck forcing the left turnwhile oncoming traffic is present.

East Vine by Carson Street

Violation of right of way occurringright in front of patrol car. Low toNo deterrent factor on VineStreet.

Hwy 192 (Vine Street Today)

Median Improvements

Median Improvements with shrubbery and possibly small trees

Benefits:

4. Main objective – Improving the quality of life which will increase business to the city.

1. Preliminary studies suggest a 40% reduction in traffic crashes when median improvements are complete.

2. Beautification of area – instead of a none friendly concrete roadway the area will have grass, shrubbery & possibly trees making it a more pleasant area to drive and visit.

3. Safer for pedestrian traffic – resulting in an increase of pedestrian traffic/visitors.

What was accomplished:

By working with other agencies and departments a partnership was created and there was an automatic buy in for correcting the problem.

Bring the issue to the community on a personal level gave a since of urgency and understanding for the project.

City was awarded $2.25 million for roadway improvements with an additional $50,000 for landscaping projects.

Lt. Walter C. WobigKissimmee Police Department8 Nth Stewart AvenueKissimmee, FL. 34741

Phone: (407) 847-0176 ext. 3219FAX: (407) 847-0460

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