Safe Rural and ATV Driving
Your Northeast Florida Traffic Safety Teams are promoting important traffic safety and occupant protection messages on our rural and country roadways in our communities.
All drivers and passengers should always buckle up on rural roads. Safety belts save lives!
We have a lot of rural roads throughout Northeast Florida. Here are some rural driving facts to consider:
- In rural deaths involving ejections from pick up trucks, OVER 90% of the occupants were NOT wearing their seat belts.
- The death rate in rural crashes on country roads is more than double that on the highways and busy streets of urban areas.
- More fatally injured occupants were ejected from vehicles in rural crashes compared to crashes in the city.
- Because of the higher center of gravity on pickups, there’s an increased risk of vehicle rollover during a truck crash.
- Emergency response time on remote roads is much slower.
“Be Tough Enough to Buckle Up!” Wear your seat belt in your truck for every trip, every time.
All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Safety
Your Northeast Florida Traffic Safety Teams want to remind ATV drivers to follow safety guidelines and laws. Your safety is our main concern. Read our complete “ATV Off-Road Rules to Live By” brochure which lists Florida laws regarding all-terrain vehicles and important safety guidelines.
Put safety first when riding an ATV!
- Never operate an ATV on streets, highways, paved roads or rights of way. It is extremely dangerous and against the law.
- The recommended age for a particular size ATV may not be the best choice for your child. Please remember that even though a child may fall into the age category, they may not possess the strength, skills and judgment necessary to operate that vehicle.
- Riders under 16 years old should be supervised by an adult at all times and should only be allowed to ride an ATV that is recommended for their age group.
- Always wear appropriate riding gear, which includes an approved full-face helmet, eye projection such as goggles, a good pair of gloves, over-the-ankle boots with low heels and at least a long-sleeved shirt and long pants. Off-highway pants with kneepads and a long-sleeved jersey with chest/shoulder protectors are recommended.
- For more ATV safety information and free activity sheets for younger ATV users, visit our ATV SAFETY blog post.
Free Resources
