Team Updates & Reminders
November 10, 2025
MADD Candlelight Vigil
November 19, 2025
| Each time we buckle a safety belt, we make a small but powerful decision. Safety belts have long been proven to be one of the most effective tools for saving lives in a crash. Yet, despite the evidence, many people still either forget or choose not to buckle up. Florida law requires all drivers and front-seat passengers to wear safety belts when the vehicle is in motion. It also mandates that every person under 18 years of age be properly restrained by a safety belt or child restraint device (FS 316.614). National Seat Belt Day, recognized each year on November 14, is more than a date on the calendar. It is a reminder of the lives protected, and the families kept whole through one simple action: buckling up. The campaign’s mission is to create safer roadways across Florida by increasing safety belt use and reducing the severe injuries and fatalities that result when occupants are unrestrained. Raising Internal Awareness: No matter what office you officially call ‘home,’ we all can play a role in supporting safety – This Friday, November 14th is National Seat Belt Day! We have attached the following to celebrate this day with our colleagues: – A photo prop that can be used to take Seat Belt Selfies, with space to write a personal reason for buckling up every trip, every time. – A National Seat Belt Day poster encouraging everyone in your office to take Seat Belt Selfies (only taken in parked vehicles, of course 😊) and share them with us at TargetZeroTeam@dot.state.fl.us. – Safety Moment Slides to promote National Seat Belt Day and Seat Belt Selfies in your presentations throughout the week. In the Community: Grass-roots outreach efforts greatly improve safety messaging effectiveness – these one-on-one conversations have far-reaching impacts – There are many fall festivals or local events happening this time of year in communities throughout Florida. If you are going to an event near you, check with your local District Safety Office team to see if they will be setting up a table. Thank you for helping to build a culture of safety in Florida! – You can also take your message online. Post your Seat Belt Selfie on social media using #SeatBeltSelfie and #TargetZeroFL to inspire others to buckle up. In Your Everyday Life: Even when you’re not ‘on-the-clock,’ there are ways to improve safety culture in Florida – Every time you get into a vehicle, whether driving or riding as a passenger, fasten your safety belt. That single click greatly reduces the risk of serious injury or death in the event of a crash (source). – It is important to wear your safety belt properly! Wear your lap belt around your hips and wear your shoulder belt across your chest. The safety belt will not work if it is tucked behind you. Airbags are no substitute for safety belts. – Ensure your seat is adjusted to a comfortable, upright position, and avoid reclining your seat more than necessary, to minimize the gap between your shoulder and the safety belt (NHTSA). – The age group with the lowest observed safety belt usage rate in Florida in 2023 is that 16-34 year old age range at 87.3%, and those aged 15-34 accounted for nearly 30% (28.4%) of all traffic related fatalities in Florida (source). – Parents of teen and young adult drivers play a crucial role. By modeling safe driving habits and reinforcing the importance of buckling up, you can help make safety second nature for the next generation. Teach your kids that we are never too old, never too cool, and never too busy to buckle up. – Safety belts save lives, but only if worn correctly every time you are in a motor vehicle. In a crash, your seat belt keeps you: – From being ejected from the vehicle. – From being thrown against other passengers, the steering wheel, or the windshield. – Behind the wheel where you can control the vehicle. For additional tips and educational resources, visit FDOT’s Click it or Ticket and FLHSMV’s Buckle Up Florida, It’s the Law! web pages. Together, we can make every trip a safe one. Let’s keep the momentum going this National Seat Belt Day by sharing our stories and encouraging one another to always buckle up. Please share how you and your teams are participating this season, we love highlighting your ideas and accomplishments. Savannah & the Target Zero Team |
