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Florida Beats Its Record for Buckling Up, But There’s Room for Improvement
Good news: Now more than ever, Floridians traveling the state’s roadways are looking out for themselves and for each other by fastening their seat belts. In its “June 2018 Safety Belt Use in Florida” report, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced that the statewide safety belt usage rate has climbed to 90.6 percent, beating […]
Remember to Wear Your Seatbelt — It’s the Law!
The Dori Slosberg and Katie Marchetti Safety Belt Law was enacted in June 2009 and made it a primary offense to not wear a seatbelt while driving. Under the law, all drivers, front seat passengers and passengers under 18 must wear seatbelts, and police officers can pull over drivers for not buckling up. Anyone in […]
Central Florida Roads Have a Reputation for Poor Pedestrian Safety
According to a variety of studies, Central Florida roads are among the most dangerous in the United States for pedestrians. Hundreds of pedestrians are injured and dozens are killed each year in this area. From 2014 to 2015, the number of pedestrian fatalities increased in five counties in Central Florida. Now, drivers are killing pedestrians […]
In Florida, Drivers Must Stay at the Scene After an Accident
Historically, Florida has had major problems with hit-and-run accidents. Year after year, about 25 percent of all crashes that occur in the state involve a driver leaving the scene. While most of these hit-and-run crashes only result in damaged vehicles or property, they can be deadly in some cases. Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles […]
Looking Ahead to the Wekiva Parkway Extension Project
Most residents of Central Florida are well aware of the ongoing extension project for Wekiva Parkway (State Road 429). The project is a cooperative effort among the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX), Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The design phase for the project began in earnest in 2012, and construction […]
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Tips for Florida Drivers
All drivers should demonstrate extra care when sharing the road with motorcyclists. It is important to remember that even though their vehicles are smaller, motorcycle riders still have equal rights on the road. Below are some general guidelines regarding safety issues for both motorcyclists and drivers of other vehicles to keep in mind when sharing […]
Focus on Child Safety This Back-to-School Season
Each year, Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV) names August “Child Safety Awareness Month,” just in time for kids to head back to school. The goal is to remind drivers to be aware of children walking to and from school or the bus as they drive along Florida’s roads, and also to make sure […]
Florida Among States with High Rates of Fatal Bicycle Accidents
The number of fatal bicycle accidents has increased on a national level. Here in Florida, which regularly leads the nation in bike fatalities, the numbers continue to rise despite expanded prevention efforts at the state level. According to “A Right to the Road: Understanding & Addressing Bicyclist Safety,” a study published by the Governors Highway […]
Boating Accidents, Fatalities on the Rise in Florida
Florida has always had high numbers of boating accidents and fatalities, but recent state and federal studies indicate the problem is getting worse as time goes on. According to statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard, while the state saw a modest 2 percent increase in boating accidents in 2016, the most recent year for which […]
