Tips Tuesday: Valentine’s Day
February 11, 2026
| National Engineers Week (February 22-28) is a time to recognize the professionals who design, build, and maintain the systems that keep people moving safely every day. From roadways and bridges to signals, signs, and sidewalks, engineers play a critical role in creating environments that reduce risk and support safer decisions long before anyone gets behind the wheel. Most people never notice engineering when it works – because crashes, confusion, and close calls never happen. Behind every safe left turn, every protected work zone, and every context‑appropriate speed limit is a team of engineers thinking ahead, responding to data, and supporting Target Zero’s long‑term goal of zero serious injuries and fatalities on Florida’s roadways. At the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), safety isn’t just about reacting to crashes, it’s about building it in from the start and seeing it through completion. Engineers design for human behavior, anticipating mistakes and minimizing their consequences. This is at the heart of the Safe System Approach: a framework that recognizes people make errors and are physically vulnerable, and that a system with multiple layers of protection can prevent crashes or reduce harm when they occur. Raising Internal Awareness: No matter what office you officially call “home,” we all can play a role in supporting safety 👉Share the attached tip card celebrating National Engineers Week and highlighting how design and innovation impact daily life. 👉Share an attached desk-drop card to learn more about FDOT’s Safety Engineering. 👉Urge colleagues to explore the Strategic Highway Safety Plan [fdot.gov] and learn how engineering shapes safer roadways. 👉Did you know that FDOT has a Professional Engineer Training Program? Recent graduates can register and gain experience in the field of transportation engineering, leading to licensure as a PE in Florida. In the Community: Grass-roots outreach efforts greatly improve safety messaging effectiveness – these one-on-one conversations have far-reaching impacts 👉Share the National Society of Professional Engineers Connect page with neighbors or friends who are interested in building partnerships, expanding their networks, and volunteering. 👉Discuss with loved ones and children how every roadway component reflects the work of engineers in design, construction, and maintenance. 👉Engage local schools or colleges by giving a presentation, hosting an activity, or representing your department to inspire the next generation. In Your Everyday Life: Even when you’re not “on-the-clock,” there are ways to improve safety culture in Florida 👉Encourage engineering students or junior engineers to pursue their certification or licensure. 👉Familiarize yourself with the Engineering Code of Ethics , the fundamental document guiding engineering practices and standards. 👉Practice safe driving habits around work zones – slow down, stay alert, and respect crews and signage. 👉Notice and report potential hazards in your community, from faded signs to road defects, helping engineers and crews maintain safer roadways for everyone. Next week, let’s all take a moment to celebrate our engineering colleagues, the safety partners whose work touches every trip, commute, and journey across Florida. Their commitment to proven designs and strategic safety investments is central to Target Zero and to the future we’re building together: one where every Floridian and visitor alike gets home safely. Thank you for everything you do to make our roads safer! Savannah & the Target Zero Team |
