Road users in Florida are being encouraged to ‘share the road’ as part of an annual awareness campaign.

May is Share the Road Month and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), along with partners at the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Florida Sheriff’s Association (FSA), Florida Police Chief’s Association (FPCA), the Florida Trucking Association (FTA), and AAA-The Auto Club Group, is reminding road users that sharing the road is essential for ensuring safe travel for everyone.

“Sharing the road is a shared responsibility to make sure we all arrive safely,” said Executive Director Dave Kerner.

“As a motorist, it is important to educate yourself and your loved ones about the significance of following traffic laws, being courteous to others, and staying attentive to your surroundings. Exercise caution around all types of vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, and vulnerable road users. Safe driving is not just a goal, it is a way of life.”

FLHSMV has offered the following tips to motorists:

  • Always watch for bicycles and look carefully before entering an intersection, changing lanes, or even opening a car door.
  • Never follow too closely behind a bicycle.
  • Drivers should maintain a four-second buffer zone between themselves and motorcyclists and increase space when encountering bad weather and road conditions.
  • Motorists must never attempt to share the lane with a motorcycle. Motorcyclists are entitled to the entire lane.
  • Motorists should stay out of the “No Zone.” Commercial vehicles have large blind spots in front, behind, and on both sides of the vehicle, which is known as the “No Zone.” Even though large vehicles have several rear-view mirrors, other vehicles will be hidden from view if they are within the “No Zone” or blind spot.
  • Do not tailgate; you’ll be in the rear blind spot and may collide with the truck if it stops unexpectedly.
  • Pass trucks on the left side for maximum visibility.
  • Keep to the right side of your lane when a truck passes you.

More information about the campaign is available on the FLHSMV website.