May is Youth Traffic Safety Month, a time to focus on ways to mitigate the risks young people face on our roadways, whether they are walking, biking, riding, taking public transportation, or beginning to drive. As summer approaches and school schedules shift, more children and teens are out and about throughout the day, increasing interactions across all modes of travel. Coming off Take Your Child to Work Day, it’s also a good reminder that the behaviors we model both on and off the road help shape how young people understand and approach safety.

Young drivers and children on sidewalks and roads are still developing experience and decision-making skills, which can increase risk. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car crashes are the leading cause of death for children, with fatalities of children under 14 represented highest during the summer months (June-August). In Florida, teen drivers were involved in 78,383 crashes in 2025, resulting in 1,492 serious injuries and 244 lives lost (Signal Four Analytics).

Protecting young people is a key part of our Target Zero commitment to eliminating serious injuries and fatalities on our roadways. Building awareness and reinforcing safe habits early helps reduce risk and supports safer travel across Florida.
 
Raising Internal Awareness: No matter what office you officially call “home,” we all can play a role in supporting safety
 
Share the attached desk drop card for the Florida Teen Safe Driving Coalition (FTSDC), dedicated to providing resources and programs geared towards young drivers’ safety.
Learn more about Teen Distracted Driver Data from NHTSA’s 2024 summary sheet.
 
In the Community: Grass-roots outreach efforts greatly improve safety messaging effectiveness – these one-on-one conversations have far-reaching impacts
 
Talk with parents, caregivers, and teens about safe driving habits, including avoiding distractions, following speed limits, and always wearing a seatbelt.
Share NHTSA’s Tips for Preteens and Teens with the young people in your life on how to prevent pedestrian crashes – both as a pedestrian and as a driver.
 
In Your Everyday Life: Even when you’re not “on-the-clock,” there are ways to improve safety culture in Florida
 
Caution young drivers to be extra alert in school zones, near parks, and in areas where children may be walking or biking. Avoid distractions, keep the speed limit, and follow crossing guard instructions if one is present.
Model safe behaviors and habits every moment you can. Children learn best by example, and having conversations with children and young drivers is easier when you can talk about your own safe habits.
Put your family’s commitment to safe driving in writing with the FTSDC Teen and Parent Driving Agreement. This agreement can help you talk through important decisions and expectations when it comes to getting behind the wheel.
 
Supporting youth traffic safety starts with everyday awareness and consistent habits. The decisions we make at our desks or on site, in our communities, and in our homes can help reduce risk and create safer roadways not just during Youth Traffic Safety month, but year-round!
 
Thanks for all you do to support Target Zero on Florida’s roadways.
Savannah & the Target Zero Team

Youth Traffic Safety Month Desk Drop Card (PDF)