DELTONA, Fla. — A local resident, Scott Coffman, has called for greater traffic enforcement on East Cooper Drive, expressing worries that drivers are traveling too quickly on the residential street where he and his wife regularly walk for exercise.
Coffman, for whom walking is a primary form of exercise, traverses a route of just over two miles to the golf course and back. However, the section of East Cooper Drive near his home has become a concern due to the absence of sidewalks. He notes that vehicles often pass perilously close, sometimes making him fear for his safety. Coffman stated he initiated his complaint out of concern for drivers exceeding speed limits and failing to pay attention, often appearing to be distracted by cell phones or other activities. He described the situation as feeling "a little scary at times walking with the wife."
In response to such concerns, the city of Deltona conducted a traffic study in 2025 on East Cooper Drive. The study identified some instances of speeding, but generally found that most traffic was moving at or just above the posted 30 mph speed limit. Based on these findings, the city did not recommend implementing changes such as speed bumps on the road.
Coffman believes that a more visible law enforcement presence would significantly improve safety. He suggested that if an officer were to patrol by stopping on the side of the road and monitoring traffic, they would witness the unsafe conditions firsthand. A Volusia County Sheriff’s Office spokesman confirmed that the agency has issued four uniform traffic citations and responded to five traffic-related calls for service on Cooper Drive this year. The spokesman also stated that the sheriff’s office would review Coffman’s concerns to assess whether additional resources are needed for the road.
Looking beyond current enforcement, Coffman suggested that if the sheriff’s office is unable to enforce the speed limit adequately, the city should consider establishing its own police department. However, a Deltona spokeswoman clarified that the city is not currently considering creating its own police department.
While the safety concerns on East Cooper Drive have prompted Coffman and his wife to contemplate moving, they are not planning to make such a decision hastily. Factors such as current mortgage rates, housing availability, and their age are influencing their cautious approach. For the time being, Coffman intends to continue walking his regular route, holding onto the hope that increased enforcement efforts will ultimately make East Cooper Drive a safer place for pedestrians.
