National Youth Traffic Safety Month

May is National Youth Traffic Safety Month, and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) encourages safe driving habits for teenagers who plan to get behind the wheel. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, nearly 40,000 crashes were linked to teen drivers in Florida alone in 2020. FDOT is committed to improving safety for all drivers, including the state’s youngest motorists, with the ultimate goal being “Vision Zero” — a traffic safety initiative with the goal of zero traffic fatalities or serious injuries.

FDOT is partnering with organizations such as Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and the Teen Safe Driving Coalition of Florida to promote safe behavior during National Youth Traffic Safety Month. Working in unison with state and local governments, law enforcement, public health agencies, and other organizations, the Teen Safe Driving Coalition helps teenage drivers through the principles of Graduate Driver Licensing (GDL), a program that allows young drivers to safely gain driving experience before taking their driver’s license exam.

Here are some steps that young drivers can take to improve their safety, as recommended by FDOT:

• Pay attention while driving.
• Undergo supervised driving practice with an experienced, licensed driver.
• Limit the number of passengers in the vehicle while driving (teens are two-and-a-half times more likely to engage in risky behavior when driving with peers in the car).
• Eliminate distractions.
• Restrict nighttime driving.
• Obey posted speed limits and other signs.
• Always wear a seat belt.
• Never drive while impaired.

Parents are encouraged to talk to their teenage drivers about the rules and responsibilities involved in driving and the dangers of distracted driving. Texts and calls can always wait until arriving at your destination. Parents should also set a good example by keeping their focus on the road and hands on the wheel while driving with their teenage driver in the car.

For more information on youth traffic safety, visit the FDOT website.

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), in 2021, there were 612 injuries resulting from crashes in which a motorcycle was involved. Motorcycle crashes frequently involve high-risk behaviors by both motorcyclists and motorists, such as driving while under the influence, not utilizing proper safety equipment such as a seat belt or helmet, and speeding. Unfortunately, these behaviors often take place in combination with one another.

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and is observed by the White House and transportation organizations across the country. The campaign aims to educate the motoring public on motorcycle safety to reduce highway deaths and incidents.

While there are inherent risks that come with riding a motorcycle, motorcyclists also have a duty to ride responsibly and mitigate risk however possible. After a crash involving a motorcycle, drivers often say, “I didn’t see them.” Being aware of blind spots and wearing high-visibility clothing helps ensure everyone makes it to their destination safely.

Motorists can do their part by following these tips:

• Never try to share a lane with a motorcycle. The motorcyclist is entitled to the entire lane.
• Don’t follow a motorcycle too closely. Maintain sufficient distance for you to stop the car in case the motorcyclist stops suddenly or encounters a problem.
• Never pass a motorcycle with only a few feet of space. The force of a gust of wind can cause the rider to lose control.
• When being passed by a motorcycle, stay in your lane and do not increase your speed.

Riding a motorcycle can be fun and exhilarating, but it’s important to remember that it can be dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2019, motorcyclists were roughly 29 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash and were four times more likely to be injured.

It’s also important to make sure you’re properly educated and licensed. Of the motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2019, 30 percent were riding without a valid motorcycle license. Completing a motorcycle rider education course is a great way to ensure you have the correct instruction and experience it takes to ride a motorcycle.

For more information on motorcycle rider education and safety course locations, visit flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/motorcycle-rider-education-endorsements/safety-course-locations/.

QUIZ: Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Take our quiz to test your knowledge of motorcycle safety.

With May being Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to brush up on motorcycle safety to prevent and reduce highway deaths and incidents. With good weather all year long, Florida is a haven for motorcycle enthusiasts and it’s important to be aware of safety measures whether you’re a motorcyclist or share the roads with motorcycle riders.

Be sure to take our quiz to test your knowledge of motorcycle safety.