The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Florida Highway Patrol are launching the annual Safe Summer Travel Campaign, reminding all Floridians and visitors that safety is paramount.
They will promote safety messages covering wearing a seatbelt, driving patiently during busy traffic months, never driving under the influence, tire safety and keeping the vehicle ready for the road, and preventing heat stroke. vehicular.
Over the next two months, as Floridians and visitors alike enjoy the many activities our state has to offer, it is critical to focus on safety with all decisions to ensure everyone “arrives alive”.
“We are proud to welcome visitors to the free state of Florida, in all its beauty and natural splendor. Our hard-working law enforcement officers and state police work every day to ensure that all of our residents and visitors entertain themselves legally and responsibly and get home safely.” FLHSMV CEO Dave Kerner said. “Enjoy your summer knowing that law enforcement will work diligently to protect residents and visitors.”
FLHSMV and FHP are partnering with the Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Department of Children and Families, Florida Police Chiefs Association, Florida Sheriffs Association, and AAA-The Auto Club Group to help ensure that all travelers “Arrive alive”.
“As summer arrives, we want you to arrive alive; FHP soldiers stand ready to enforce all traffic violations and are committed to public safety.” said FHP Col. Gary Howze II, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “Always remember to obey all traffic laws and be courteous to other road users while traveling in our great state this summer.”
ACCIDENT DATA ANALYSIS
With traffic increasing during the summer months, so are citations and accidents.
- According to FLHSMV data analysis, in June and July of last year there were 107,048 crashes with 499 fatalities and 2,385 serious bodily injuries.
- During those two months, law enforcement issued 3,165 speeding citations, while 2,349 accidents were due to speeding.
While you may be celebrating the independence of the United States in July, with the freedom of the driver comes a responsibility towards safety. The three days surrounding the July 4th holiday are often some of the worst for traffic accidents.
- Over the past five years, on average over the three-day period July 3-5, there have been 4,924 accidents, resulting in 1,794 injuries and 28 fatalities.
- While there were an average of 95 drink-driving arrests each year between 2018 and 2022, there were also 143 alcohol-related crashes and 44 drug-related crashes, on average, per year.
