Happy New Year 2026 – Recipes for the Road
January 1, 2026
| A new year brings a fresh opportunity to reflect on our habits, set meaningful goals, and renew our commitment to keeping ourselves and others safe on the road. Whether you are a daily commuter, an occasional weekend driver, or drive as an occupation, each of us can make choices that reduce risk and protect our communities every day. As we look ahead, we encourage you to start 2026 strong by adopting simple Safe Driving Resolutions. By making seat belt checks automatic, planning distraction-free trips, and staying mindful of speed and surroundings, these small but everyday choices can have life-saving impacts. In 2024, distracted driving directly influenced 103,711 crashes on Florida’s roads, resulting in 2,312 serious injuries and 296 lives lost (source) – highlighting why everyday choices behind the wheel matter. Setting simple resolutions, reinforcing safe habits, and encouraging one another ensures 2026 begins with intention and purpose behind the wheel. Raising Internal Awareness: No matter what office you officially call “home,” we all can play a role in supporting safety – Use the attached Target Zero Safe Driving Resolutions Tip Card to encourage your team members to choose a personal driving resolution and discuss ways to make it a habit! – Raise awareness during your weekly presentations with the attached Safety Moment Slides on how anyone can start 2026 strong with driving habits that keep everyone safe, whether they are fellow drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists. – Show your dedication to start 2026 strong with the attached Teams backgrounds for virtual meetings. In the Community: Grass-roots outreach efforts greatly improve safety messaging effectiveness – these one-on-one conversations have far-reaching impacts – Check out the annual safety calendar to learn about FDOT’s safety campaigns and events. Work with your local District Safety Office on partnering with schools, neighborhoods, or community centers to host lessons on pedestrian and cyclist safety, helmet fitting, or even how to properly navigate a roundabout! – Get ready for the year with some Target Zero gear! Click here and scroll down for shirt designs, color options, and files you can use to order at your local apparel shop to support our safety efforts in 2026. In Your Everyday Life: Even when you’re not “on-the-clock,” there are ways to improve safety culture in Florida Choose one driving habit to focus on each month – such as putting your phone away, slowing down earlier at intersections, or double checking for people on sidewalks and bike lanes – and commit to it daily. Have conversations with young drivers about their own Safe Driving Resolutions and encourage them without judgment. Shared accountability often leads to lasting change! Establish a simple pre-drive routine: check your tires, clean your windshield and wipers, map your route before you drive, and give yourself a buffer to avoid rushing. Consider keeping a short personal checklist in your vehicle or on your phone to reinforce your goals whenever you start the car. Involve your household to build safe habits for everyone. Buckling up, checking mirrors, setting directions, and putting phones away makes safety a part of every trip. Safe Driving Resolutions are more than goals – they are commitments that protect lives. We can make 2026 a safer year from day one, by modeling good habits, sharing helpful resources, and remembering that everyone wants to get home safely. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to safety on Florida’s roads! Wishing you a safe and Happy New Year! Savannah & the Target Zero Team |
Start 2026 Strong Safety Moment Slides
