Tips Tuesday: National Passenger Safety Week
January 14, 2026
| Florida School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day is February 6th! Each weekday in Florida, crossing guards are stationed at school entrances, busy crosswalks, and major intersections, directing traffic and guiding pedestrians and young students across the street. Crossing guards manage traffic in all conditions, stepping into travel lanes, making quick decisions, and communicating with drivers to create safe gaps in traffic. Their presence improves visibility, supports safer communities, and reinforces safe driving behaviors in school zones and other high foot-traffic areas. In addition to the work of crossing guards, Florida law establishes specific requirements to protect children traveling to and from school. Under F.S. 316.1895, drivers must reduce their speed to 20 mph or less when approaching or passing a school during times when children are likely to be arriving or leaving. Florida law also allows the use of school zone speed detection systems under F.S. 316.1869 , which enables jurisdictions to enforce posted school zone speed limits using automated speed enforcement during school zone hours. F.S. 316.306 further prohibits drivers from using a phone or electronic device in a handheld manner while in a school zone. Violations committed in school zones carry enhanced penalties, reflecting the increased risk present in these areas. Raising Internal Awareness: No matter what office you officially call “home,” we all can play a role in supporting safety 👉Use the attached Safety Moment Slide to raise awareness on school zone and crosswalk safety – and the work crossing guards do each day to keep us safe! 👉Know a standout crossing guard? Consider nominating them for Florida School Crossing Guard(s) of the Year here! Submittals are accepted year-round, with the cycle resetting each December 25th. In the Community: Grass-roots outreach efforts greatly improve safety messaging effectiveness – these one-on-one conversations have far-reaching impacts 👉Share the FDOT Crossing Guard Recruitment Video with friends and neighbors who may be interested in making their community safer while earning extra income. 👉Share the safety resources and topics below to remind loved ones to use caution when approaching intersections, school zones, crosswalks, and other high foot-traffic areas. 👉National Highway Traffic Safety Association’s Child Pedestrian Safety curriculum toolkits are appropriate for a variety of ages and can be shared in the classroom or at home. 👉Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle’s information and safety tips are practical for both pedestrians and drivers. 👉FDOT’s School Crossing Guard Training Program page is a great place to learn more about requirements, safety, and laws for crossing guards. In Your Everyday Life: Even when you’re not “on-the-clock,” there are ways to improve safety culture in Florida 👉Obey posted school zone speed limits and traffic control devices. 👉Yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks. When approaching an intersection with a crossing guard: 👉Use caution on your approach, staying alert for pedestrians. 👉Come to a complete stop as directed by the crossing guard. 👉Remain stopped until the crossing guard signals it is safe to proceed. 👉Be alert for any other pedestrians, cyclists, or other drivers. 👉Show your local crossing guard(s) appreciation on February 6th. Use the attached themed thank you card(s) to include with a small gift or personal message. Crossing guards risk their safety each day to ensure pedestrians – especially children – can safely navigate our communities. The most meaningful way we can show appreciation is by slowing down, staying cautious, and following directions from crossing guards to ensure that everyone gets home safely. Thank you for everything you do to make our roads safer! Savannah & the Target Zero Team |
