Steering Towards Safety: April Marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month

April shines a spotlight on one of the most critical issues facing drivers today—distracted driving. Recognized nationally, Distracted Driving Awareness Month is a concerted effort to make our roads safer for everyone.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has launched an awareness campaign titled “IT ALL CAN WAIT,” urging drivers to prioritize safety over distractions . The campaign aligns with statewide initiatives by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to educate and legislate safer driving practices.

What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is anything that takes your hands off the wheel, your eyes off the road or mind off driving. It is extremely risky behavior that puts everyone on the road in danger. There are different kinds of driver distractions:

This year’s focus is not only on reminding drivers of the dangers of distracted driving but also on reinforcing recent legislative changes in Florida. Notably, the Move Over law, which was updated in January, requires drivers to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles, including tow trucks and road maintenance vehicles, highlighting the importance of vigilance and respect for safety protocols on the road .

Bike Walk Central Florida’s Best Foot Forward Initiative complements these efforts by promoting pedestrian safety, aiming to reduce accidents and encourage drivers to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks . This initiative is a reminder that road safety extends beyond the vehicle and encompasses all who share the road.

In conjunction with these efforts, the message remains clear: driving sober and refraining from texting while driving are not just recommendations; they are essential practices for protecting lives. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) supports this focus with their own Distracted Driving Awareness activities, emphasizing the critical choice drivers make every time they get behind the wheel .

As April unfolds, Florida’s commitment to reducing distracted driving through education, enforcement, and public awareness is more vital than ever. Let’s all commit to making our roads safer by putting our phones down, keeping our eyes on the road, and our hands on the wheel. Together, we can make a Positive Difference in our communities and save lives.