With students across Florida returning to school, drivers are being reminded to play their part and keep children safe when traveling.
Last year, Florida saw a 30 percent decrease in children involved in crashes but a 32 percent increase in child fatalities from crashes, when compared to 2019.
Nearly half of child passengers killed in vehicle crashes in Florida last year were not wearing any type of restraint – a 127 percent increase from 2019.
“As we prepare our families and community for this upcoming school year, we must remain vigilant around school buses and in school zones,” said FLHSMV Executive Director, Terry L Rhodes.
As part of August’s Child Safety Awareness month, The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has teamed up with Florida Department of Transportation, the Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA), Florida Highway Patrol and Florida Sheriffs Association and the AAA – The Auto Club Group, to remind parents, grandparents, caregivers, and motorists of the important role they have in keeping children safe when traveling.
Drivers are urged to slow down in school zones, ensure everyone in the vehicle is properly buckled and be vigilant around school buses.
Additional safety tips, resources, and data related to child safety can be found on the FLHSMV Child Safety webpage.
