TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WWSB) – Florida highway officials are using National Pedestrian Safety Month this October to remind drivers and people on foot to slow down, stay alert and share the road.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Florida Highway Patrol are joining safety partners statewide to promote pedestrian safety messages all month.
“Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility between both pedestrians and motorists,” said FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner. “We urge drivers to stay alert, slow down, and make pedestrian awareness a consistent part of their daily driving.”
Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze said troopers will be focusing on preventing crashes. “When everyone stays aware, Florida’s roads become safer for all,” he said.
Tips for pedestriansUse sidewalks when available. If not, walk facing traffic and as far from the road as possible.Stay alert and avoid distractions like earbuds or looking at your phone while crossing.Cross at crosswalks or intersections when you can and look for vehicles in all directions.Make yourself visible with bright or reflective clothing and a flashlight at night.Watch for vehicles entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.Tips for driversLook for pedestrians everywhere, especially at night or in bad weather.Slow down and be ready to stop near crosswalks; never pass a car stopped at a crosswalk.Yield to people in crosswalks and obey speed limits, particularly in school zones and neighborhoods.Use extra caution when backing up and at intersections, which are crosswalks whether marked or not.
Failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk can mean a minimum $164 citation and three points on a driver license, in addition to the risk of serious injury or death.
With Halloween approaching, officials expect more children walking in neighborhoods and near driveways. Drivers are urged to slow down and watch closely for trick-or-treaters.
More information and safety tips are available on FLHSMV’s Pedestrian Safety webpage.
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