Protecting Florida's children: Child Safety month kicks off.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

As the new school year approaches and Florida students prepare to head back to their classrooms, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), and safety partners across Florida are gearing up to launch the Child Safety Awareness Month campaign. The aim is to educate and engage parents, caregivers, and motorists about the crucial significance of safe driving with and around children.

“Awareness of behaviors that impact a child’s safety should not just be recognized one month a year,” said FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner. “It is up to us all to ensure that children, parents, and the community are educated and vigilant that safety practices are in place and enforced daily.”

The campaign comes in response to alarming statistics from 2022, where 119,903 children between the ages of 0 to 17 were involved in crashes in Florida, either as passengers, drivers, or pedestrians. These crashes resulted in 1,220 serious bodily injuries and 156 fatalities. As students commute to and from school, motorists should prioritize their safety by adhering to school-zone speed limits, remaining attentive around child pedestrians and bicyclists, and appropriately stopping for school buses.

Last year, there were 3,000 school bus crashes in Florida, further highlighting the need for increased caution by motorists on the roads.

"Safety is always a priority, and when it comes to our kids, the best way to teach them safety is to practice it," said Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze II. "Kids learn from watching those around them, and when they observe a parent or loved one engaging in safe practices, they are more likely to do the same."

The campaign has brought attention to a concerning issue: nearly 30% of child passengers who lost their lives in vehicle crashes in Florida in 2022 were not wearing seat belts. To combat this, FLHSMV reminds drivers that seat belts and child restraint devices are critical safety features in a vehicle. According to Florida law, seat belts or child restraint devices and required for all drivers, all front-seat passengers, and all children under 18 riding in a vehicle. 

Children under five must be in a crash-tested, federally approved child restraint device. The campaign has garnered support from various partners across the state who are all united in their commitment to keeping Florida's children safe. 

Safety organizations, including the Florida Department of Transportation and the Florida Police Chiefs Association, have also rallied behind the campaign, urging drivers to be vigilant, avoid distractions, and abide by speed limits in school zones to ensure a safe school year for everyone.

FLHSMV has provided a Back-to-School Safety Checklist to aid parents and motorists in prioritizing child safety. The checklist includes reminders to secure children in the appropriate restraints, stop for school buses, and slowdown in school zones. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of staying alert and avoiding distractions while driving, especially in areas with designated school crossings, school zones, or active work zones.

The campaign also highlights the need for pedestrian safety. Students should walk on sidewalks when available and, in their absence, walk against the traffic direction to have a clear view of oncoming vehicles. Children should also cross the street at designated areas, such as corners or crosswalks, and avoid using headphones or mobile phones.

FLHSMV stresses the critical need to check for children and pets before exiting a vehicle, as routines change during the school year. Leaving a child or pet unattended in a car poses significant risks, particularly in Florida's hot temperatures.

In their ongoing efforts to promote child safety, FLHSMV has established a Child Safety webpage with additional safety tips, resources, and data to support parents, caregivers, and motorists in their commitment to creating a safer environment for Florida's children. 

For more information, visit Child Safety - Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (flhsmv.gov).