On January 4th, 2022, UF graduate Sabrina Obando was hit and killed after being struck by a vehicle crossing the intersection of Northwest 8th Avenue and Northwest 10th Street. 

According to the Gainesville Sun, Sabrina was hit on Northwest 8th Avenue. This road is often used as an alternate route to University Avenue and borders parks, schools, churches and residential areas.

Northwest 8th Avenue is 35 MPH and has not been redesigned.

We have lost too many lives as a result of traffic crashes. This is an epidemic that deserves more attention from local, state, and national lawmakers, along with the Florida Department of Transportation. How many more lives have to be lost before actions are taken to make our roads safer? 

Every time there is a traffic fatality in our community, it is important to remember that the deaths are preventable. In our group’s analysis, high speed, lack of enforcement, and a poorly designed intersection are factors that make Northwest 8th Avenue a fatal and unfit road for pedestrians and motorists alike.

According to Bike Walk Greenville, at 30 MPH, 5 out of 10 pedestrians will survive after being hit by a motor vehicle. At 20 MPH, 9 out of 10 pedestrians will survive after being hit by a motor vehicle.

In remembrance of Sabrina’s life, we are hoping to spark needed community discussions about road safety and redesign. We will demand action from our discussions. Not One More student should die, Not One More family should be ripped apart, and Not One More life in our community should be lost from a preventable traffic fatality. 

Join us. Raise your voice, and fight for changes to be made by signing our petition.

#FLNotOneMore #ZeroTrafficDeaths