In this Issue

Use Florida 511 for Motor Trips in 2022
January is Move Over Month in Florida
February is Hit and Run Awareness Month in Florida
Stay Up to Speed with the Daytona 500
World-Class Golf Tournaments Get Underway
Winter Events around the Sunshine State
Out and About at the Florida Automated Vehicles Summit 

The new year usually brings in thoughts of resolutions, goals and general improvements to our lives. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has one more suggestion to add to this list for motorists in Florida: consider using the Florida 511 Advanced Traveler Information System (FL511).

Florida 511, is a comprehensive system to help motorists navigate Florida’s roads for any trip – near or far. The system includes a website, mobile app, Twitter feed, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube pages. The goal of FL511 is to provide real-time traffic 24/7. How does FL511 do this?

The system provides traffic information in real-time: crashes, congestion, blocked roads, stalled cars, weather, and current camera images on major roads and in major metropolitan areas throughout Florida. It also provides turn-by-turn directions to up to three destinations in Florida, travel times, alerts, and personalized accounts. The mobile app provides select features found on the website. The goal is to help motorists travel more efficiently and safely on Florida’s roads.

FL511 is available as a tool before motorists start their trip. They are encouraged to check the website and/or mobile app for current traffic conditions, so they can plan their drive appropriately. Follow and join us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for additional updates and, in the meantime, safe travels in 2022!

 Every year hundreds of first responders are hurt or killed on our nation’s roads when stopped to offer assistance for a crash, traffic violation, or other incident on the roadway. Typically, a vehicle has pulled over on the side of the road because of a loss of fuel, flat tire, engine issue, crash, or a medical issue for the driver. In many cases, a vehicle has been pulled over by law enforcement for a possible traffic violation. We see these situations daily: a vehicle stopped on the shoulder of the road, often with law enforcement or a service vehicle directly behind them.

Move Over Month in January is a reminder to Floridians to pull over one lane when it is safe to do so or slow down by 20 miles an hour under the posted speed limit when approaching flashing lights and a situation where someone is pulled over and service vehicles are providing assistance. If it’s a crash, two or three cars can be pulled over. For two-lane roads, slow down by 20 miles per hour or 5 miles per hour if the speed limit is 20 miles per hour or less. The Move Over law applies to law enforcement, service and utility vehicles including tow trucks, Road Rangers, Florida Highway Patrol, ambulances, and many others. 

FDOT and its FL511 team remind motorists in January and year-round to move over when approaching flashing lights so these essential workers can return home to their families as well.

 The state of Florida is observing another important traffic law this winter. February is Hit and Run Awareness Month in Florida. It’s simple: anyone causing or involved in a crash on Florida’s roads is required to stay at the scene until law enforcement arrives. Call 911 if there are any injuries, or call your local law enforcement’s non-emergency line if no one has been injured. This includes the motorist who hits a pedestrian, vehicle or bicycle and any others who may have a role in the crash. If you hit something at night and are not sure what you hit, stop when it is safe and call law enforcement. Stay until the situation is resolved. 

Drivers flee crash scenes every year. In general, this only causes more trouble for the driver. Many, if not most, are apprehended. Stay at the scene. It’s the law and the right thing to do. It also may save a life. 

Start your engines! The iconic Daytona 500 will be held on Sunday, February 20, attracting an estimated 250,000 spectators to the famed speedway. Considered one of the most prestigious and important races in NASCAR, the Daytona has opened the NASCAR season every February since 1982. The race is known for its spectacular finishes and is always a crowd-pleaser.

“The Great American Race” is the most well-known car race in Florida and perhaps the United States. It is held at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach. Many people travel to the speedway for up to four days of events surrounding the race, which roars off at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. It is broadcast on cable TV by FOX for those who wish to see it from their living room armchair.

FDOT and its FL511 team suggest people who are traveling to the race check the FL511 website in advance for live traffic conditions to plan their route. Those who are not attending Daytona 500, but live in the area, may also want to check the roads from February 19 to 21 before embarking on a trip. 

Four world-class golf championships will be held in Florida in February and March, attracting many of the best players in the game from across the world. These championships offer residents and visitors alike a wonderful opportunity to see golf in person on some of the world’s most challenging and beautiful courses while enjoying all the comradery that comes along with these events. Many will be televised for those who wish to watch from home. 

FDOT and its FL511 team encourage motorists to use Florida 511 for traffic and travel information associated with these championships. Those attending should check traffic conditions in advance, and those in the area should check roads when the tournament is underway. Motorists can use the website and mobile app for turn-by-turn directions and travel times, camera snapshots of live road conditions, alerts, and much more for a safer and more efficient trip. Championships held across the state include: 

• Honda Classic, February 21–27, Palm Beach Gardens
• Arnold Palmer Invitational, March 1– 6, Orlando
• THE PLAYERS Championship, March 8–13, Ponte Vedra Beach
• Valspar Championship, March 14–20, Palm Harbor

 January and February are picture-perfect months in the Sunshine State for events and festivals. Consider using Florida 511 for turn-by-turn directions to these or an event in your community! 

 The Florida Automated Vehicles Summit

The Florida Automated Vehicles (FAV) Summit recently took place in Orlando. This conference assembles industry leaders from around the world to address technologies, operations, and policy issues, and to gain insight into what Florida is doing to create the ideal climate for the implementation and deployment of autonomous and connected vehicle technologies. The FL511 Marketing Team was there and shared the importance of the FL511 Advanced Traveler Information System (FL511). 

 FL511’s Suite of Services

For comments or more information, please contact the FL511 Marketing Team via email: FL511marketing@gmail.com.