Driving Safety

According to Florida law, a bicycle is legally recognized as a vehicle, and the person who is riding the bike is considered to be a driver. As a result, individuals who ride bikes have the same rights on the roadways as other vehicle operators and must abide by the same traffic laws.

Often, a driver allows his or her focus to be impaired by various distractions that confront us in today’s fast-paced and high tech world in which we live. They are distractions that can and DO turn deadly.In no age group is that more apparent than for teenagers. Teens have the highest crash rate of any age group in our state.

The Florida Legislature designated the first week of September each year as Drowsy Driving Prevention Week to educate the public on the dangers of driving while drowsy and to honor the memory of 8-year-old Ronshay Dugans. Ronshay was killed in 2008 when her school bus was hit by a driver who fell asleep at the wheel.

As children of all ages trick-or-treat in Florida neighborhoods, parents, care givers, and motorists must take special care to ensure everyone has a safe and happy Halloween.

Florida has seen the amount hit-and-run crashes remain steady over the years. Although the majority of Hit and Run crashes only result in property damage, more than 180 people were killed in hit and run crashes in 2015.* The FLHSMV and Florida Highway Patrol’s “Bad to Worse” campaign aims to reduce the number of hit and run crashes in Florida by educating drivers on their responsibilities if involved in a crash and the consequences they face if they leave a crash scene.

Driving high is driving impaired. When you are under the influence and choose to drive, your decision can affect countless people.

Visibility can change within seconds, so use extreme caution when driving in smoke and fog. Freezing rain and ice are road hazards that Florida motorists seldom encounter, but such conditions can and have occurred in the state. Avoid driving in heavy storms, and stay in a safe place after the storm.

Motorcycle and moped drivers have the same rights and duties as drivers of motor vehicles. Learn more about motorcycle rules and responsibilities by downloading the Florida Motorcycle Handbook. Learn more about approved motorcycle safety courses, motorcycle endorsements or Motorcycle Only licenses, by visiting the Florida Rider Training Program.

The phrase Move Over is more than just words. It is an action required on everyone’s part in order to make Florida’s busy roads safer for everyone—whether they are first responders or stranded motorists waiting for assistance.

Speeding endangers everyone on the road. In fact, speeding is a contributing factor in 26% of traffic fatalities nation-wide.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) joins the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in recognizing October as National Pedestrian Safety Month, reminding drivers and pedestrians that staying safe is a shared responsibility.

Whether traveling across country or across town, whether it’s summer vacation or a holiday trip to visit family or friends, it is important to keep safety in mind. Whatever the season, whatever the reason, make it a safe and fun trip.

Traveling throughout Florida can be nearly as fun as getting to your destination. During the holiday and vacation seasons, Florida’s roads can be some of the busiest in the country. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is committed to the safety of all motorists on our roads and educating everyone on safe driving to always Arrive Alive.

With its warm weather and scenic coastal highways, Florida is a popular place for motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians. All motorists should use courtesy when driving. After all, the road belongs to everyone.

Florida is one of the top Spring Break destinations in the country for high school and college-aged students. During Spring Break, FHP and other state and local law enforcement partners work to keep impaired drivers off the road. With more than 1.8 million visitors in Florida on any given day, we remind spring breakers that drinking and driving is no way to enjoy an incredible Sunshine State spring break experience.

Cars, trucks, motorcycles, ATVs and other wheeled vehicles are prohibited from participating in any “street takeover, stunt driving, race, speed competition or contest, drag race or acceleration contest, test of physical endurance, or exhibition of speed or acceleration on highway, roadway, or parking lot.”

Put on your seat belt and make sure all your passengers buckle up, too. Don’t drive like you own the road; drive like you own the car. Share the road with others – watch out for motorcycles, bikes, and pedestrians.

On multi-lane streets, roads and highways, Florida law requires that drivers drive in the right lane and pass on the left.