Holiday Driving Safety

The holidays are a great time to gather with family and friends. They are also a popular time to travel.

Safe driving, whether staying close to home or going on a long trip, is very important.

Follow these tips for safe driving this holiday season:

• Never drive impaired. Celebrate responsibly, and do not get behind the wheel if you are under the influence or even sleepy. Designate a driver or use a rideshare service to arrive home safely.
• Check your tires. Tires are a vehicle’s first line of defense on the road. Check your tire pressure, tread depth, and spare tire, especially before long trips. Do not overload your vehicle, which can result in premature wear and tire blowouts.
• Buckle up. Wearing a safety belt for older children and adults is the single most effective way to save lives and reduce serious injuries in crashes. Florida law requires that all drivers and passengers wear seat belts or are using the appropriate child restraints for young children. Seat belts save lives, so buckle up for every trip.
• Register or update your Emergency Contact Information (ECI). ECI is a secure system allowing law enforcement nationwide to contact designated family or friends in response to an emergency.
• Observe and obey all speed limits. Speed limits may change as you drive through different types of roadways and construction zones, so make sure you adjust your speed accordingly.

Reconfigured Ramps Improve Traffic Flow at S.R. 434 Interchange

Click on image above to view video.

Longer and wider ramps at the reconstructed Interstate 4 (I-4) and State Road (S.R.) 434 interchange accommodate more motorists so they can move more freely and efficiently. A free-flowing loop ramp allows easier access to westbound I-4 from westbound S.R. 434. The longer exit ramp from westbound I-4 to S.R. 434 helps motorist slow down when exiting, reduces backups onto the interstate, and separates motorists exiting to the westbound I-4 rest area. I-4 Ultimate also widened the lanes on S.R. 434  to improve capacity and reconfigured the traffic signals to improve traffic flow. Watch the video to learn more or download the S.R. 434 interchange improvement handout for more details.

Quiz: National Pedestrian Safety Month

Take a quiz and test your knowledge on pedestrian safety and see how ready you are to do your part.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recognizes October as National Pedestrian Safety Month to stress the importance of pedestrian safety, and to remind drivers, bicyclists, and walkers that safety is a shared responsibility. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), its division of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) have joined forces to share educational information throughout the month to help keep motorists and pedestrians safe. Take this quiz to test your knowledge.