Child Safety a priority as children head back to school during August
Child Safety Awareness Month campaign during August
Tallahassee, Florida - As Florida students head back to school, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and other law enforcement agencies across the state are working to educate parents, caregivers, and motorists on the importance of safe driving with and around children through its Child Safety Awareness Month campaign.
“Awareness of behaviors that impact a child’s safety should not just be recognized one month a year,” said FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner. “It is up to us all to make sure that children, parents, and the community are educated and vigilant in ensuring that safety practices are in place and enforced daily.”
In 2022, there were a total of 119,903 children up to the age of 17 involved in a crash in Florida - as either a passenger, driver, or pedestrian - which resulted in 1,220 serious bodily injuries and 156 fatalities.
In 2022, there were 3,000 school bus crashes in Florida - which necessitates that motorists must adopt safe driving habits, such as obeying school-zone speed limits, remaining attentive around child pedestrians and bicyclists, and properly stopping for school buses, to ensure that school children safely arrive at their destinations.
In 2022, almost 30% of child passengers killed in vehicle crashes in Florida were not wearing any type of restraint. A seat belt or child restraint is a vehicle’s most important safety feature, but it only works if they are used, and used correctly, every time you travel. Florida law requires the use of seat belts or child restraint devices by the drivers of motor vehicles, all front-seat passengers, and all children under the age of 18, riding inside of a vehicle. Florida law also requires that children, ages 5 and under, to be secured properly in a crash-tested, federally approved child restraint device.
"Safety is always a priority, and when it comes to our kids, the best way to teach them safety is to practice it," said Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze II. "Kids learn from watching those around them, and when they observe a parent or loved one engaging in safe practices, they are more likely to do the same."
“Safety is our top priority at FDOT," said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. "We encourage everyone to be alert, avoid distractions, slow down in school zones, and ensure a safe school year for school children and their communities.”
FLHSMV’s Back-to-School Safety Checklist:
• Secure their future – buckle up and choose the right seat.
• Seat belts save lives. All drivers must use them, including front-right passengers and anyone under 18; FLHSMV strongly recommends seat belt usage for all ages.
• The best car seat is the one that fits your child’s size, is correctly installed, works well in your car, and is used appropriately every time you drive.
• Be sure to read the seat’s instruction manual and the portion of your vehicle’s owner manual when installing a car seat in your vehicle.
• Remember to check for car seat and booster seat recalls and sign up to receive any potential alerts in the future.
• Stop for school buses and slowdown in school zones.
Other Safety Tips:
• As of January 1, 2021, the penalties doubled for failing to stop for a school bus and passing a stopped school bus on the side where children enter and exit. It is imperative that all motorists properly stop for school buses so all of Florida’s children can arrive at school or home safely.
• Using a wireless communications device in a handheld manner while driving in a designated school crossing, school zone, or active work zone area is against the law and extremely dangerous.
• Be alert and watch for children, especially near schools, bus stops, buses, and parking lots. Pay extra attention to the lower speed limits in school zones. Only drive or park in authorized areas to drop off or pick up children at school.
• Move safely together – look out before you step out.
• Always walk on the sidewalk if there is one. If no sidewalks are present, walk against the traffic direction so you can see oncoming vehicles.
• Cross the roadway where pedestrians are expected, at corners or crosswalks, and watch for traffic when crossing the street.
• Pay attention. Avoid headphones so that you can hear the traffic and pedestrians around you. Never text or look at your phone when crossing the street.
• Check for kids and pets.
• As routines change, it’s imperative to remain vigilant and ensure all children are out of the vehicle and accounted for before leaving. Put your purse, phone, or shoe in the backseat as a reminder to check.
• Never leave a child or pet unattended in a vehicle. Florida temperatures are hot and will rapidly increase in minutes, even if parked in the shade or with a window cracked.
For additional safety tips, resources, and data related to child safety, visit the FLHSMV Child Safety webpage for more information at https://www.flhsmv.gov/safety-center/child-safety/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery.