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.

Learn more about our history

 

Resources

 

2025 Recipes for the Road

Gasparilla
Ahoy, mateys! Stay safe and prepared with these helpful tips:

  • Plan Ahead and Arrive Early: Check parade route maps and schedule your travel time to avoid last minute traffic.
  • Parking Strategy: Park farther from the parade route and walk or use public transportation to reach your spot.
  • Designate a Sober Driver: If you plan to drink, arrange for a sober driver or use ride-sharing services.
  • Follow Traffic Laws: Observe speed limits and obey all traffic signals.
  • Watch for Pedestrians: Stay vigilant near crowds and at street crossings.

  • Stay safe and enjoy Gasparilla!

    Click here to download the postcard Gasparilla Postcard
Super Bowl
Are you ready for the big game? This Super Bowl Sunday—and every day—play it smart by committing to a winning strategy: don’t drink and drive.

Click here to download the postcard Super Bowl Postcard
Valentine's Day
Keep Your Valentine’s Day Safe and Sweet! Here are a few heartfelt tips to help you enjoy a safe and secure Valentine’s Day.

Click here to download the postcard Valentine's Day Postcard
St. Patrick's Day
Whatever your St. Patrick’s Day plans may be, celebrating responsibly ensures everyone gets home safely—it takes more than luck to make it happen.

Click here to download the postcard St. Patrick's Day Postcard
Spring Break and Spring Travel
Spring Break

Florida is a top spring break hotspot, whether you’re heading to Daytona Beach, the Florida Keys, South Beach, Panama City Beach, Clearwater Beach, or Cocoa Beach, safety should always come first.

Click here to download the postcard Spring Break Postcard

Spring Travel

Spring is a time for getaways, family visits, and road trips! If you’re hitting the road to enjoy the season, stay safe, focused, and enjoy a smooth journey to your destination!

Click here to download the postcard Spring Travel Postcard
Cinco de Mayo and Mother's Day
Cinco de Mayo

To ensure a safe Cinco de Mayo, it’s important to focus on responsible driving habits. Prioritize designated drivers, refrain from driving under the influence, stay alert for impaired drivers, always wear your seatbelt, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, be patient, and report any suspected impaired drivers to the authorities. Remember, many people celebrate with alcohol, so practicing safe driving is key.

Click here to download the postcard
Cinco de Mayo Postcard

Mother's Day

This Mother’s Day, consider combining your celebration with a commitment to safe driving. Show your mom you value her by demonstrating your dedication to being a responsible driver.

Click here to download the postcard
Mother's Day Postcard
Father's Day and Juneteenth
Father's Day

Celebrate Father's Day with a Blackberry Cider Mocktail and Dad’s Zesty Kabob Skewers—perfect for a flavorful, fun, and safe Father’s Day BBQ!
While you're enjoying the day, remember to:
• Plan ahead for a sober ride home
• Grill safely and watch the heat
• Stay hydrated and use sunscreen

Click here to download the postcard
Father's Day Postcard

Juneteenth

This Juneteenth, as we honor a day of reflection, education, family, and celebration, we are sharing two classic recipes—Black-Eyed Peas and Sorrel (Caribbean Red Drink)—perfect for any gathering. These dishes carry deep cultural significance and make for a delicious way to connect with tradition. But let’s also remember that safety is key, especially during holiday travels. As we celebrate, let’s stay mindful of our responsibility to protect one another on the road..

Click here to download the postcard
Juneteenth Postcard
July 4th and Stay Hydrated
July 4th

Why the Fourth of July Is Dangerous for Drivers — And How to Stay Safe
To protect yourself:
  • Avoid driving late—travel earlier or stay overnight.
  • Don’t ride motorcycles—cars are safer on busy holiday roads.
  • Always wear your seatbelt.
  • Never use your phone while driving.
  • Keep plenty of space between cars.
  • Be extra cautious at intersections.
  • Cooperate with police checkpoints.
  • Volunteer as a designated driver.
  • If you’ve been drinking, don’t drive—use a rideshare or taxi.
Stay safe and enjoy the holiday!

Click here to download the postcard


Stay Hydrated

The “dog days” of summer—those hot, sticky weeks in July and August—can take a toll on your body. Staying properly hydrated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to beat the heat and keep your energy levels steady. Water supports essential functions like regulating body temperature, circulating nutrients, and flushing out toxins. As temperatures rise, your body loses more fluids through sweat, even if you don’t notice it. Simple ways to stay hydrated:
  • Keep a water bottle with you and sip throughout the day.
  • Choose hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and leafy greens. Limit dehydrating drinks such as alcohol or heavily caffeinated beverages.
  • Drink more when you’re active or spending time outdoors.
  • Listen to your body—signs like fatigue, headache, or dry mouth can mean you need more fluids.
  • When the heat is at its peak, a little extra attention to hydration goes a long way. Stay cool, stay refreshed, and take care of yourself this summer.
Click here to download the postcard
Back to School
Back to School

As students head back to school, remember to follow Florida’s school bus safety laws:

  • Drivers must stop for school buses when the red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended.
  • This applies in both directions unless you’re on a divided highway with a raised barrier or median at least 5 feet wide.
  • If there’s only a painted line or paved median, all drivers must stop, regardless of direction.
  • Passing a stopped school bus is illegal and may result in a citation, points on your license, a fine, and mandatory driver improvement course.
  • Penalties are more severe if you pass on the side where children are entering or exiting the bus.
  • Always slow down and use caution in school zones, especially during arrival and dismissal times.
Let’s all do our part to keep children safe this school year.
Click here to download the postcard
Labor Day
Labor Day

Labor Day, observed on the first Monday of September, is a time to celebrate the hard work and contributions of America’s workforce. It’s also a popular weekend for road trips, meaning traffic will be heavier and safety on the road is especially important.

If you’re traveling this Labor Day weekend, a little preparation can go a long way toward keeping you and others safe.

Travel Smart and Stay Safe

Click here to download the postcard
Tailgating/Football Season
Tailgating/Football Season

Tailgating is one of the best parts of game day — great food, fun with friends, and team spirit. But safety should always come first.

Click here to download the postcard
Halloween
Halloween

Halloween is among the deadliest days of the year for pedestrians, particularly children. Crash data shows a sharp increase in pedestrian incidents once trick-or-treating begins at dusk. While safety may not be on their minds, it must remain top of mind for drivers.

Click here to download the postcard
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving

For many Americans, Thanksgiving is all about three things: hanging out with family, catching the Macy’s Parade or football, and enjoying mom’s incredible feast. But getting there usually means dealing with some pretty chaotic traffic. The busiest travel times are typically the afternoons and evenings of the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, as well as Thanksgiving Day between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and Friday afternoon. If you want to skip the worst of it, try leaving before 10 a.m. on those days or traveling on Thanksgiving Day itself.

Click here to download the postcard
Winter/Christmas
Winter/Christmas

The holidays are a time for celebration—but also one of the busiest travel periods of the year. A little preparation can make your trip safer and less stressful.
Plan Ahead
Prep Your Vehicle
Drive Smart
Rest and Recharge


Click here to download the postcard

2025 Recipes for the Road - A Digital Collection

We’re excited to share a digital collection of our Recipes for the Road postcards from the past few years — featuring covers, recipes, and seasonal traffic safety messages to help you celebrate safely. You’ll also find additional NHTSA-inspired safety messages to keep your travels safe year-round.

Click here to download the Recipes for the Road Digital Collection as a PDF.

Click here to open the online Recipes for the Road Digital Collection.