Floridians are encouraged to ‘Take the First Step’ towards pedestrian safety during October’s National Pedestrian Safety Month.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), its division of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), and public safety is spreading the word that staying safe on Florida’s roadways is a responsibility both motorists and pedestrians share.
“Pedestrians are urged always to remain alert and never assume a driver sees you,” said Colonel Gary Howze II, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol.
“Motorists should not engage in dangerous driving choices that endanger vulnerable road users such as texting or distracted driving, impaired driving, and speeding.”
The FLHSMV has issued the following advice to motorists:
- Always look out for pedestrians. Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions like nighttime or bad weather.
- Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk. Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing that you can’t see.
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see and stop for the crossing pedestrians.
- Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street. Follow slower speed limits in school zones and neighborhoods where children are present.
