Happy New Year 2026 – Recipes for the Road
January 1, 2026
Tips Tuesday: National Passenger Safety Week
January 14, 2026
| January is Move Over Month in Florida, the perfect time to recommit to protecting those who work and respond along Florida roadways, as well as anyone stopped on the side of the road. Every day, law enforcement officers, emergency responders, sanitation, maintenance, and utility crews, tow operators, roadside workers, and drivers of disabled vehicles face some of the most dangerous conditions just feet from active travel lanes. By staying alert and following the Move Over Law (F.S. 316.126), each of us can help prevent crashes, injuries, and save lives. In 2024, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLSHMV) reported 17,567 statewide “move over” citations, with 205 total crashes resulting in 17 serious injuries and 1 fatality. Taking actions like slowing down and moving over can make a life-changing difference for those working or temporarily stopped on the roadside. Florida law requires drivers to move over or slow down for both stopped emergency/work vehicles and disabled vehicles with flashing lights. Drivers, first responders, utility teams, tow operators, and even our very own Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Road Rangers are often in risky situations dealing with roadside incidents. Move Over Month is a timely reminder to follow the law and protect those on the roadside by staying alert and using caution to help prevent crashes and save lives. Raising Internal Awareness: No matter what office you officially call “home,” we all can play a role in supporting safety 🚗Use the attached desk drop cards to kindly remind your colleagues about Move Over Month in Florida! A quick conversation or card drop can influence someone to take action and make safer choices. 🚗Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for resources on moving over nationwide. We have attached a flyer detailing how to keep roadside responders safe across the country. In the Community: Grass-roots outreach efforts greatly improve safety messaging effectiveness – these one-on-one conversations have far-reaching impacts 🚗Share resources with fellow drivers on the dangers of roadside incidents to those that respond to them. – A powerful and moving video highlighting a dangerous “Move Over” crash. (Warning: some audiences may be sensitive to this content). – An interactive FDOT “Move Over” Word Find! See who can get the best time to solve it! 🚗Explore the FLHSMV website for a library of resources, including data, graphics, audio, and video files, to learn more and share about driving safely around roadside incidents. In Your Everyday Life: Even when you’re not “on-the-clock,” there are ways to improve safety culture in Florida 🚗When approaching a stopped vehicle with emergency or hazard lights activated: – Move over to the next lane away from the vehicle when it is safe to do so. – Slow to 20 mph below the speed limit when safely changing lanes is not possible. – Slow to 5 mph on roads with posted speeds of 20 mph. 🚗Review your route and anticipate areas where stopped vehicles may appear, so you’re prepared to act safely. 🚗Encourage conversation with family and friends about safe behavior around roadside responders and disabled vehicles; shared awareness reinforces good habits. 🚗Talk to local first responders and roadside workers to show your appreciation and get a better perspective on their roles while addressing a roadside incident. Move Over Month is more than a reminder, it’s a call to action. By staying alert, following the law, and encouraging others to do the same, we can make a real difference for those working or stopped along our roadways. Every time we move over and slow down, we help prevent crashes and protect lives, making Florida roads safer for everyone. Let’s get everyone home safely! Savannah & the Target Zero Team |
