The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is launching its annual Safe Summer Travel Campaign – reminding all Floridians and visitors that safety is paramount.
FLHSMV and FHP are partnering with the Florida Department of Transportation, the Florida Department of Children and Families, Florida Police Chiefs Association, Florida Sheriff’s Association and AAA to promote safety messages covering buckling up, driving patiently during months with heavy traffic, never driving impaired, tire safety and maintaining vehicle road-readiness and preventing vehicular heat stroke.
“As summer arrives, we want you to arrive alive; FHP Troopers stand ready to enforce all traffic violations and are committed to public safety,” said FHP Colonel Gary Howze II, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “Remember always to obey all traffic laws and be courteous to other road users while traveling in our great state this summer.”
CRASH DATA ANALYSIS
With traffic higher during summer months, so too are citations and crashes.
• According to FLHSMV data analysis, in June and July last year, there were 107,048 crashes with 499 deaths and 2,385 serious bodily injuries.
• During those two months, law enforcement issued 3,165 citations for unlawful speed, while 2,349 crashes resulted from excessive speed.
SLOW, SOBER AND SECURED
With more cars on the road, it’s important to understand that traffic will be heavy before hitting the road. Expect delays and approach travel with patience. Also, when you get in your vehicle, buckle up – it’s the law and it could save your life. Obey all posted speed limits. Speeding and driving aggressively increases the probability and severity of a crash. Slow down and stay cool-headed. Roads are no place for aggressive behaviors.
Never drive impaired. There are always alternatives – taxis and ride-shares or designating a sober friend. Report impaired drivers by dialing *FHP (*347) or 911.
ROAD-TRIP READY
According to AAA, 57% of Floridians plan to take a summer vacation and 87% plan to do so by road trip. However, 21% will fail to get their vehicle inspected prior to travel.
In the same way you make sure your vehicle is filled up with fuel (or electric charge) prior to departure, make sure you’re fully road-trip ready – perform vehicle maintenance, check tires including the spare, and make sure there are no vehicle recalls.
Tires are your vehicle’s first line of defense. They should have correct pressure and adequate tread. Never overload a vehicle, as the weight change can result in premature tire wear, blowouts, and hydroplaning.
HOT CARS
Florida summers are incredibly hot. Temperatures inside a vehicle can heat up by 20 degrees in just 10 minutes, and children get hot faster than adults. NEVER leave a child or pet unattended in a vehicle, not even for a short time.
Cracking a window does little to keep a vehicle cool. Ignoring this advice could be deadly, as well as incur severe criminal penalties.
For a more detailed information on these topics and to find additional resources and materials, please visit FLHSMV’s Safe Summer Travel campaign website, www.flhsmv.gov/Summer.