The FDOT District Two Community Traffic Safety Program developed these short videos with driving tips for teens and all motorists.

These are a series of brief educational and informative traffic safety messages available to share during National Teen Driver Safety Week, the 100 Deadliest Days for Teen Drivers during the summer, and all year long.

These driving tips and reminders are excellent for drivers of all ages, significantly younger, inexperienced motorists. Knowing the road rules and having good driving behaviors will reduce crashes and eliminate fatalities and severe injuries on our roadways.

Road Rules Videos Include:

• Flashing Yellow Turn Signal
• Hit & Run
• Speeding
• Impaired Driving
• Distracted Driving
• Occupant Protection
• Florida’s Move Over Law
• Pedestrian RRFBs
• Bicycle Safety
• E-Bike Safety
• Lane Departure
• Intersections
• Stop for School Buses
• Railroad Crossing
• Motorcycle Safety

Flashing Yellow Arrow Traffic Signal:

The flashing yellow arrow signal benefits motorists by reducing crashes and improving traffic flow. It also creates a safer, more efficient left turn at intersections. When the flashing yellow arrow is illuminated, drivers must first yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, and then they may proceed to turn with caution.

Explaining Florida Hit and Run Laws:

Stay at the scene of any crash. In 2023, over 100,000 hit-and-run crashes were reported, causing 278 deaths on our Florida roadways. Every driver must stop as close as possible to the scene, render aid, and call for help.

Speeding and Aggressive Driving:

Let’s talk about speed and what it really takes to stop a vehicle. For example, when traveling at 60 mph, between perception, reaction, and braking, the distance it takes to stop is about the length of a football field.

Impaired Driving:

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or while drowsy is impaired driving, which accounts for 1,000s of lives lost every year on our roadways. Be responsible and drive safely and sober. Plan ahead by designating a driver or scheduling a rideshare for a safe ride home.

Dangers of Distracted Driving:

Distracted driving is NOT just from cell phones but also includes: talking to passengers, eating, adjusting the radio, reaching for items in the backseat, putting on cosmetics, and anything that takes your attention away from the roadway. Please put your phone down, and focus on driving! In Florida, texting and driving are not just dangerous; it’s illegal.

Occupant Protection Laws in Florida:

Safety belts save lives! Buckling up properly is the single, most effective way to protect yourself in a crash. Wear your safety belt across your shoulder and your lap. Front seat drivers and passengers AND backseat passengers under age 18 – MUST wear a safety belt. It’s not just a good idea; it’s the LAW!

Florida’s Move Over Law:

The Florida Move Over Law law includes police, emergency, service vehicles, Florida Road Rangers, tow trucks, construction, other utility vehicles, and broken down motorists that are stopped on the side of the road and displaying flashing yellow, red, or blue lights. On approach, move over one lane. If you cannot safely move over, reduce your speed by at least 20 mph below.

Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB):

Pedestrians: Activate the signal by pushing the button. Wait for the lights to flash. Step to the curb and wait for traffic to stop. Cross the road while constantly monitoring traffic.
Drivers: If you approach an RRFB and the lights are flashing, and a pedestrian is present, you must come to a complete stop at the stop bar. Remain stopped until the pedestrians are across the roadway. You may proceed with caution after the pedestrians have cleared the road.

Bicycle Safety Tips:

Lighting equipment on your bicycle is required at night. Helmets are required for those under 16 years of age. You are required to have properly working brakes. Always ride on the right-hand shoulder of the road. Do not wear earbuds in both ears. Motorists, you must give three feet when passing a bicyclist. Please watch for sharrow markings on the road – this means that motorists must share the lane with cyclists.

ROAD RULES for Using EBikes and Electric Micromobility Devices:

Users of electric bicycles, scooters, segways, and hoverboards have the same rights and must follow the same rules as traditional bicycle users. Wherever you are cruising, always check local codes. Local municipalities might adopt more restrictive regulations and speed limits for these e-devices.

Lane Departure Safety Tips:

Speeding on a curve is one of the leading causes of lane departure crashes. Never accelerate going into a curve! Release acceleration, coast through the curve, then resume acceleration. Chevrons, rumble strips, barriers, and guardrails are all countermeasures to reduce lane departure. Please drive carefully!

Intersection Traffic Safety Rules:

In Florida, intersections are among the top 2 locations for serious injury crashes. When approaching an intersection, be aware of driveway accesses, vehicles that suddenly come to a complete stop, and cars that suddenly change lanes in front of you. When stopped at a red light, check for pedestrians. Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists before turning right. When you see the flashing yellow arrow, yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

School Bus Stop Laws for Motorists:

When the yellow lights begin to flash on a school bus, it is coming to a stop to load or unload students; you must stop and do not pass the bus. Remain stopped until the stop panels are retracted, the door is closed, and the bus begins to proceed. The only time you are not required to stop for a school bus is if you are in the opposing lanes of the bus on a roadway with a raised median or physical barrier of at least five feet or more.

Railroad Crossing Safety Reminders:

Here are some important railroad crossing tips to keep in mind: Do not drive through, around, or under a railroad crossing gate. Never stop on the tracks. Stay back at least 15 feet from the track. Walking or stopping on the tracks is hazardous.

Motorcycle Safety Tips for Riders and Motorists:

Many factors can lead to motorcycle crashes – not just inexperienced motorcycle riders and motorists – but careless driving. Left turns in front of motorcycles are the leading reason for a crash – 40% of the time. Always look twice and drive with care. Bikes that are over 50cc require an endorsement on your license – Make sure you get the proper training and wear a helmet!