In this Issue

Travel Safely this Labor Day Weekend with FL511
Ensure your Baby’s Safety in a Vehicle
FL511 Supports National Teen Driver Safety Week in OctoberSchool Begins in August!
September-October Events
Out and About

Labor Day is upon us. Whether you take an out-of-town trip or stay close to home, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) encourages motorists to check FL511 before venturing out on the roads.

For many, Labor Day is a time to reflect upon the important achievements of the American worker. The labor movement is responsible for many benefits and improvements in the workplace including the 40-hour work week, better wages, and safer work conditions. Laborers are responsible for much of the prosperity, economic success, and well-being the United States enjoys today.

For others, Labor Day is the unofficial end of summer. It is a time to enjoy a final trip to the beach, a weekend getaway, a pool party, outdoor grilling with friends and family, and so much more before the pace of life picks up this fall. Many people will choose to take a trip this Labor Day weekend, with most driving. Labor Day is Monday, Sept. 5. The travel weekend can start as early as today and continues through Monday or Tuesday. 

Labor Day is also a time for celebrating. A reminder to never drink and drive, though. Law enforcement normally steps up its DUI patrols this weekend. 

Expect more vehicles on the roads this weekend. Whether staying at home or embarking on a road trip, travel more safely by checking traffic conditions ahead of time with the Florida 511 Advanced Traveler Information System (FL511). The website, mobile app and Twitter feeds provide a wealth of information for drivers on Florida’s roads. Current incidents including crashes, blocked roads, stalled vehicles and other situations are posted. The website and mobile app provide turn-by-turn directions and travel times for up to three destinations in the Sunshine State. The website features real-time camera images and streaming video on major roads along with weather information. There is much more to all three products of FL511. 

This Labor Day holiday, whether you take a moment to appreciate the accomplishments of the U.S. labor movement by attending an event or observance, have a party at home with friends and family, or take a final summer trip (or a combination of), do it in a safe manner. Drive safely and use Florida 511 to help plan your motor travel. For more information, visit FL511.com.

FDOT and its FL511 team remind motorists that driving with an infant or toddler in a vehicle is one of the largest responsibilities a parent or caregiver has.

Every year we hear of tragic deaths of babies and children who are left in the backseat of a vehicle – if only for a few minutes. A vehicle can heat up rapidly and children are much less tolerant of heat than adults. Almost all of these situations are not intended and there are ways to prevent this and reduce fatalities.

One way to make sure children are not left in the backseat is to put a handbag, wallet or other important item in the backseat with the child.

In addition to being left in a vehicle, a second risk children face is not being properly restrained in a car seat. Injuries are the leading cause of death for young children. FDOT also reminds parents and caregivers to properly restrain children while driving.

These are such important concepts that at least three observances take place in September to raise awareness of how to travel safely with
a child.

The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association sponsors Baby Safety Month in September (the ninth month of the year). The goal is to raise awareness of safe selection and use of juvenile products. One is the child car

seat. Make sure to use the correct car seat for a child’s age, height and weight.

The U.S. Department of Transportation supports two other events: 

Sept. 18 to 24 is Child Passenger Safety Week. The goal is to raise awareness of many steps parents and caregivers can take to ensure the safety of children in a vehicle. One way to make sure children are not left in the backseat is to put a handbag, wallet or other important item in the backseat with the child. This way when a parent or caregiver leaves the car, they will be reminded to check the backseat. Another way is to put a stuffed animal in the front seat. There are other ideas unique to each family situation. Special activities and public information efforts are encouraged during this week to raise awareness of safely transporting children.

Lastly, USDOT and its National Highway Traffic Safety Administration support Seat Check Saturday, this year on Saturday, Sept. 24. There will be many events for people to have their child seat inspected by a knowledgeable person to make sure it is the correct fit for their child. 

Another way to help ensure the safety of a child passenger is to drive more safely. Parents are encouraged to check FL511.com for real-time traffic conditions before leaving home. Connect, know and go with FL511!

Most of us have been there. Often the first introduction to driving is as a teenager. In Florida, the legal age to obtain a driver license is 16. By this age, many teens need to drive for school, after-school activities, possibly a part-time job, and to relieve their parents or caregivers of this responsibility, at least part of the time. 

We also can recall our first years of driving. It takes a long time to learn to drive safely, and many teens have accidents behind the wheel. In fact, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death of youths age 15 to 18, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

Teens may also want to consider visiting FL511.com or using the Florida 511 mobile app to plan their trip in advance.

For the past 15 years, National Teen Driver Safety Week has taken place. This year it is October 16-22. This is a time for parents to have conversations with their teen about the rules of the road to stay safe behind the wheel. These rules address the greatest dangers for teen drivers: alcohol, inconsistent or no seat belt use, distracted and drowsy driving, speeding, and number of passengers. Parents can be the biggest influencers on teens’ choices behind the wheel if they take the time to talk with their teens about some of the biggest driving risks.

FDOT and its FL511 team support this, of course. A big focus today is to remind teens to never drive distracted. It is so temping to use an ever-present smartphone when behind the wheel, but do not ever when driving. Put the phone down. This includes the use of the Florida 511 mobile app. This app, supported by FDOT, features real-time traffic information. It is to be viewed before a trip to plan a safer and more efficient drive. Never behind the wheel. 

Teens may also want to consider visiting FL511.com or using the Florida 511 mobile app to plan their trip in advance. This can increase the safety and ease of a trip. For more information about National Teen Driver Safety Week, please visit https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/teen-safety.

Consider using Florida 511 for turn-by-turn directions to these events or an event in your community!

Transpo2022

FL511 was one of a number of vendors at Transpo2022. Sponsored by the Intelligent Transportation Society of Florida, the event was held July 17-20 in Bonita Springs. More than 400 attendees had the opportunity to visit the Florida 511 booth to learn about the latest features of this traffic information system sponsored by FDOT. 

 FL511’s Suite of Services

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