The Project that Keeps on Giving
In 2004, Tindale Oliver (now Benesch) teamed up with then FDOT District 7 Community Traffic Safety Team (CTST) Coordinator, Jeanette Rouse, to launch Recipes for the Road. Jeanette adopted the concept from FDOT District 2 and tailored the program to make it unique to District 7.
Like all things, Recipes for the Road has changed with the times. When we launched the project, we partnered with restaurants across District 7 (Hillsborough, Pinellas, Hernando, Pasco and Citrus counties), reaching out to dozens of them to contribute non-alcoholic drink recipes for the collection.
Featured Postcard
Halloween
In the United States, traffic crashes claim the lives of more children each year than any other cause. The danger peaks on Halloween, when children are three times more likely to be struck and killed by a driver compared to any other day.
Safety Tips for Drivers
- Stay alert for trick-or-treaters on Halloween.
- Reduce your speed, consistently scan the road, and eliminate distractions.
- Watch for pedestrians emerging from between parked cars or behind shrubs.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians
- Always walk on sidewalks when available and use crosswalks to cross safely.
- Set up a “buddy system” to ensure everyone gets home safely and no one walks alone.
- No matter the costume, ensure it offers excellent visibility in the dark.
Click here to download the postcard
Resources
Valentine's Day
The National Highway Traffic Administration recommends following the number one rule for traffic safety, on Valentine’s Day and every day: slow down and stay alert!
- Many different types of crashes are often caused by rushing, not paying attention, and not properly following traffic safety laws.
- When motorists are rushing and/or distracted, they tend to make errors and decisions that increase the chance of injury.
- Remember to slow down and stay alert this Valentine’s Day! We know you want to be with your special someone, please slow down and get there safely.
Valentine's Day Postcard
St. Patrick's Day
St. Patrick’s Day is one of the deadliest days on our nation’s roads. Walking while intoxicated can also be deadly. Pedestrians drinking should also arrange for a sober ride or a sober friend to walk them home.
FDOT encourages everyone to take the following safety precautions:
St. Patrick's Day Postcard
- Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Designate a sober driver or call a ride share service to get home safely.
- Never let a friend drive drunk. Arrange a safe and sober way for them to get home. Don’t ride in a vehicle with someone who has been drinking.
- If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement to report the driver.
St. Patrick's Day Postcard
Easter
Many people travel as part of the Easter holiday. If you plan to drive this Easter to visit family and friends, be aware. As road traffic increases significantly during Easter, so do car crashes caused by drunk and distracted driving.
FDOT encourages everyone to take the following safety precautions:
- Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive
- Designate a sober driver or call a ride-share service to get home safely Drive defensively
- Cut-out distractions like mobile phones Follow at a safe distance (3 to 4 seconds)
Memorial Day
Are you planning to hit the road this Memorial Day weekend? You won’t be alone. According to AAA’s 2024 Memorial Day Travel Forecast, there will be nearly 2.4 million Floridians traveling at least 50 miles or more from home this weekend and 2.1 million of them will be sharing the highway with you. That’s 137,000 more drivers than last year.
FDOT encourages everyone to take the following safety precautions:
- Adhere to the speed limit.
- Use your blinker and mirrors when changing lanes.
- Minimize distractions. Silence your phone, avoid eating and drinking, know your route, and pre-set your music.
Summer Safety
The “dog days of summer” refer to the hot and humid period between early July to early September. Shockingly, over the past 25 years, more than 965 children have died of heatstroke after being left or becoming trapped in a hot car.
FDOT encourages everyone to take the following safety precautions:
- Make it a habit to check your entire vehicle — especially the back seat — before locking the doors and walking away.
- Place a personal item like a purse or briefcase in the back seat, as another reminder to look before you lock.
- Write a note or place a stuffed animal in the passenger’s seat to remind you that a child is in the back seat.
Back to School
Every school day, millions of kids hop on and off school buses. Did you know that school buses are some of the safest rides around? Less than 1% of traffic deaths involve kids on school buses. But the
real danger is when kids are getting on or off the bus. That’s why it’s super important for drivers, parents, and students to know about school bus safety. FDOT encourages everyone to take the following safety precautions:
- Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is about to stop to pick up or drop off kids. Slow down and prepare to stop your vehicle.
- When you see red flashing lights and the stop arm extended, the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off. You must stop your car and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the stop arm is pulled back, and the bus starts moving, before you can start driving again.
Football Season
Tailgating parties have grown in popularity over the years, expanding beyond just football games to become events that can take place both before and after a game. These gatherings often revolve around food and alcohol, and unfortunately, there are many stories of tragic outcomes due to irresponsible behavior at these events. However, since tailgating is here to stay, it’s important to know how to enjoy the festivities safely. Here are some tips to ensure that you, your friends, and your loved ones have a great time and make it through the game—and the entire season—safely:
- Understand the laws in your state and any local and county ordinances.
- Provide non-alcoholic beverages for those who are underage, non-drinkers or those who have already had more than their share.
- Have plenty of food so that people are not drinking on an empty stomach.