CarFit helping drivers find their safest fit

CarFit Technician Training

Posted on 04/29/2025 by Traffic Safety Team

We were excited to bring a great opportunity to Northeast Florida for our Traffic Safety Team members and associates to become trained CarFit Technicians. Technicians help drivers improve the “fit” of their vehicles for safety and comfort. Safe Mobility for Life, FDOT’s District Two Community Traffic Safety Program, Clay County Senior Services of Aging True, and the Town of Orange Park Police Department hosted the regional CarFit Technician Training & Checkup Event.

A Successful CarFit Event in Orange Park!

We’re thrilled to share that our recent CarFit Technician Training and Event was a tremendous success! The training certified 14 new technicians and prepared 9 future Event Coordinators, including representatives from AARP, Alachua County Fire Rescue, Atlantic Beach Police Department, Clay Department of Health, FDOT Northeast Florida, Lawtey Police Department, Orange Park Police Department, UF Health, and Veterans Affairs. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the dedicated members of the Traffic Safety Team who participated and brought such positive energy and commitment to the day.

Highlight Video from our CarFit Checkup Event on 4/26/25

The CarFit Technician Training covered how to:

Take drivers through a CarFit event safely following a triage approach: Check-in, Check-up, and Check-out
Complete a CarFit check-up following a 12-point checklist of key safety features
Make recommendations on adjustments that will help the driver improve their “fit” in their vehicle for safety and comfort

During the CarFit event, fourteen drivers went through the car checkup, positively impacting their safety and confidence behind the wheel. Even more exciting is the momentum created for future CarFits in your communities. Team members’ enthusiasm and great ideas for this initiative are great, and we can’t wait to see how each of their agencies continues to grow this effort locally.

CarFit Check

CarFit is a FREE, interactive, and educational safety program that teaches participants how to make their personal vehicles “fit” them to increase their safety and mobility when they are driving on the road. It is not a driving test or mechanical inspection. Motorists get assistance with items such as:

Proper safety belt use and fit
The safe distance between the driver and their air bag
Clear line of sight above the steering wheel
Properly adjusted head restraints
Safe positioning of mirrors to minimize blind spots

Event Photo Gallery

We are grateful to our fantastic community partners and agencies for participating in this event with us:

AARP
Alachua County Fire Rescue
Atlantic Beach Police Department
Clay County Public Library
Clay County Senior Services of Aging True
Clay Department of Health
FDOT Safe Mobility for Life Coalition
Lawtey Police Department
Orange Park Police Department
Orange Park Senior Center
Town of Orange Park Police Department
UF Health
Veterans Affairs

Together, we’re paving the way for safer, more confident older drivers in our community!

If you have any questions, please email us (trafficsafetyteam@dot.state.fl.us). If you are new to the Northeast Florida Community Traffic Safety Program, we invite you to learn more about us and join a virtual Traffic Safety Team meeting for your county. For more information, visit:

Safe Mobility for Life – FDOT Coalition
CarFit – Helping Mature Drivers Find Their Safest Fit [by AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association]

Be Our Virtual Volunteer

Posted on 02/15/2022 by Traffic Safety Team

Be a Community Traffic Safety Team “Virtual Volunteer” – It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.

Become a virtual volunteer! As part of our Northeast Florida Department of Transportation’s Community Traffic Safety Program, we create and share original traffic safety reminders and tips on our social media channels several times per week! Topics include Florida’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan key emphasis areas to work towards zero fatalities and serious injuries on our local roadways.

Each year, we have thousands of combined views and impressions on our Traffic Safety Team social media channels, but we need your help.

Join us and help change behavior and save lives! You can do this by:

Liking or following us.
Sharing or reposting our content (don’t forget to tag and/or mention us).
Inviting others to follow us.
Repeat!

traffic safety team Facebook — Facebook @trafficsafetyteam

traffic safety team Instagram — Instagram @trafficsafetyteam

traffic safety team LinkedIn — LinkedIn @trafficsafetyteam

traffic safety team Pinterest — Pinterest @trafficsafetyfl

traffic safety team twitter/x — Twitter/X @trafficsafetyfl

traffic safety team YouTube — YouTube @trafficsafetyfl

Connect with the Northeast Florida Community Traffic Safety Team on social media!

Volunteering without being physically present is not new. For years, volunteers have been off-site and have used the telephone, fax and postal mail to communicate. However, the revolution in information technology has opened up many new possibilities for volunteering and giving back to your community.

Even prior to the COVID-19 healthcare crisis and social distancing, there has been an increase in working from home. Virtual volunteering is a wonderful way to take advantage of contributing volunteer work over the internet. Social media has opened the door to expand the reach of our traffic safety tips and campaigns.

Benefits of Virtual Volunteering:

Increase community awareness.
Minimal investment of your time.
Flexible to your schedule with no time constraints.
Easy and feels good to send positive messages.
Help reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities on your local roadways.

We also love sharing YOUR photos, stories and events! You can email us at TrafficSafetyTeam@dot.state.fl.us. Be sure to let us know how to tag and mention your organization on social media!

traffic safety virtual volunteer thank you — *Thank you for your time and consideration!*

Traffic Safety Wise Words

Posted on 09/07/2021 by Traffic Safety Team

To begin with, the Northeast Florida Community Traffic Safety Program (CTSP) launched the Wise Words safety campaign in 2018. The campaign started with a simple idea, Walt’s Wise Words, created by longtime team member Walt Duffany.

Walt built a strong legacy in traffic safety. He worked as an FDOT Lake City shop supervisor and later joined the District Two Community Traffic Safety Team (CTST). After he retired in 2015, he continued to serve others. Today, he volunteers as the Deputy Reservist Coordinator for Columbia County Fire Rescue. Before moving to Florida in 1986, he worked for the Town of Adams highway department in New York. He also served our country as a Navy veteran, including time in Vietnam.
Thank you, Walt, for your service and your impactful safety messages.

From One Message to a Movement

At first, the campaign featured a simple graphic, a car with a bumper sticker and a short Wise Words slogan. However, the campaign quickly grew. Today, it includes bold visuals, colorful graphics, and catchy phrases. District Two CTST members create every message.

Moreover, Wise Words delivers quick, easy-to-understand safety reminders for drivers. These messages focus on real risks. For example, they address distracted driving, impaired driving, tailgating, proper use of turn signals, and buckling up. In addition, the campaign expanded into other key areas like Work Zone Awareness, Occupant Protection, Safe Following Distance, Red-Light Running, and impaired driving prevention.

As a result, Wise Words continues to reach drivers with clear, memorable safety tips that support safer decisions on the road.

distracted driving Traffic Safety Wise Words

secure your load - Traffic Safety Wise Words

Share Traffic Safety Wise Words

Become a Community Traffic Safety Team Virtual Volunteer. Share Wise Words on your social media. Encourage others to make safer choices. And most importantly, tag us so we can amplify your impact.

Follow and tag:
Facebook / Instagram: @trafficsafetyteam
Pinterest / LinkedIn: @trafficsafetyfl