Florida’s Road Safety Campaigns Educate Dangerous Drivers

With quieter roads in 2020, the number of car crashes dropped sharply in Florida. However, the number of fatalities still remained relatively high. Although it is encouraging to see a reduction in traffic accidents, it is certainly not a time to be complacent about road safety. As Florida prepares for large spring break crowds and more summer tourists ready to take a break, the roads this year could be busier than ever. To address issues such as speeding, driving under the influence, and hit-and-run crashes, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has initiated safety campaigns to inform and educate drivers in order to prevent unnecessary accidents and injuries.

Reducing The Impact Of Hit And Run Accidents

Last year in Florida, the number of fatalities from hit-and-run accidents rose by almost a fifth, despite fewer of these types of incidents occurring. As February was Hit-and-Run Awareness Month, over the past few weeks the FLHSMV has been running a campaign called ‘Stay at the Scene’.  The campaign aims to reduce the impact of these often devastating accidents by educating drivers on what to do if they are involved in an accident. As lawyers in Florida are aware, drivers already face some of the most dangerous roads in the country. When a serious accident occurs it can be very frightening, especially for anyone who is not at fault. However, when a driver leaves the scene without reporting the incident to the police or providing assistance to the other road users involved, it can make the situation worse. By remaining at the scene of a crash, drivers not only avoid facing harsh penalties but could also save lives.

Reminding Drivers To Stay Sober

Last year, Florida saw fewer fatalities from accidents involving drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but despite this, impaired driving is still the number one cause of fatalities on the roads. With the likely increase in the number of visitors to Florida during March, the state-wide Never Drive Impaired Campaign’ will serve as a timely reminder to drivers to stay safe on the roads and never drive after drinking or taking drugs. The penalties for a first offense can include a fine of up to $2,000, and a DUI violation will have additional penalties to be decided by the court.

Encouraging Tourists To Take It Slow

With Americans looking forward to being able to travel more freely this summer, taking a vacation in Florida is still as popular as ever. Florida has some of the busiest roads in the country, and every year around 300 people are killed by speeding drivers. This is why the FLHSMV likes to remind drivers to ‘Slow Down and Stay Cool’ when they are on vacation. Driving too fast can be very dangerous, as it reduces a driver’s ability to process and avoid hazards, and road users who observe speed limits and remain patient are much more likely to avoid a collision.

As the roads in Florida start to become busier, safety campaigns serve to remind drivers of the rules of the road and the potentially devastating consequences of breaking them. The hope is that Florida’s roads will be prepared for a safer summer, no matter how much traffic they receive.