Corbin Sutter Law Firm News

Florida State Launches School Safety Awareness Campaign

Officials from the Florida State Government are working to promote a safe return to school this year by launching the Safe Start Florida Child Safety Awareness Campaign.

As the new school year begins in Port Charlotte, ensuring the safety of our students is a top priority. Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. emphasizes the importance of vigilance for both parents and students during school drop-offs and pick-ups. "We urge everyone to remain cautious as they navigate the busy school environments. I'm grateful for the continued efforts of the Florida Highway Patrol, local law enforcement, and our partners in keeping our students safe every day," said Commissioner Diaz.

With the return of students to classrooms, the streets around schools in Port Charlotte become more congested. Andrea Messina, CEO of the Florida School Boards Association, highlights the importance of safe driving habits during this time. "Increased traffic brings more distractions. It's crucial that we all slow down, pay attention to crossing guards, and remain alert. Safety is a shared responsibility, and together, we can make every school day a safe day for our children and communities."

Jared W. Perdue, P.E., Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation, also stresses the need for caution. "As school resumes, it’s vital to be mindful while driving in school zones and surrounding neighborhoods with increased foot traffic. Slowing down and avoiding distractions not only protect school children and their families but also safeguard our school crossing guards. Together, we can ensure a safe school year for Port Charlotte and communities throughout Florida."

Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell, President of the Florida Sheriffs Association, echoes these sentiments. "A major goal of our association is to protect and nurture our youth. As schools reopen, reducing speed and adhering to school zone limits is crucial. We fully support the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles' Child Safety Campaign because it saves lives."

Chief Charlie Vazquez, President of the Florida Police Chiefs Association, also emphasizes the importance of child safety. "We proudly join our public safety partners to celebrate Child Safety Awareness Month this August. Every child deserves a safe environment to thrive. We encourage everyone to ensure children are properly buckled in car seats, teach them pedestrian safety, and model responsible driving behaviors. By taking these steps, we can ensure the well-being of our community’s most precious members."

Michele Harris, Florida Public Affairs Director for AAA – The Auto Club Group, urges drivers to avoid risky behaviors. "Keep kids safe as they return to school by steering clear of dangerous driving habits. Our recent AAA survey found that 36% of Florida drivers admitted to speeding in active school zones, and 19% admitted to passing a school bus with flashing red lights. These actions endanger children and must be stopped."

As Port Charlotte gears up for another school year, let's all commit to making safety our top priority. By working together and adopting safe driving practices, we can create a secure and nurturing environment for our children to learn and grow.

Prioritizing School Zone Safety

With the return of students to schools, traffic congestion around school zones increases significantly. This heightened activity underscores the need for all drivers to be vigilant and cautious. School zones have reduced speed limits to protect students, and ignoring these limits can have severe consequences. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), over 41,000 citations were issued in 2023 for speeding in school or work zones. It’s crucial for motorists to adhere to these speed limits and be aware of school crossing guards who help ensure the safety of children crossing streets.

Passing School Buses: Passing a school bus when it is stopped with its red lights flashing is not just a traffic violation—it’s a direct threat to the safety of children boarding or exiting the bus. In Florida, penalties for illegally passing a school bus have increased, doubling as of January 1, 2021. These strict measures are in place to protect our children, and it’s vital that all drivers comply with the law to avoid endangering young lives.

Understanding New Legislation

Recent legislative changes in Florida have introduced systems to enhance school zone safety. The passing of House Bill 0657 and Senate Bill 0766 authorizes local jurisdictions to implement speed detection and school bus passing infraction detection systems. These technologies aim to reduce the number of illegal school bus passes, which, according to a 2023 survey by the Florida Department of Education, amounted to approximately 11,224 during the previous school year. Compliance with these laws is essential to ensure the safety of our children.

Backover Prevention: Look Before You Reverse

Accidents involving vehicles reversing can lead to severe injuries, particularly for children aged 0-10. In 2023, over 40% of backover accidents resulted in injuries to young children. To prevent accidents like these, drivers should always check their surroundings before reversing. This includes using mirrors, lowering windows to listen for activity, and backing out slowly. Parents should teach children to avoid playing near vehicles and to move away from cars when drivers are preparing to reverse.

Crosswalk Safety: Look Out Before You Step Out

Pedestrian safety is paramount, especially for students walking to and from school. Always use designated crosswalks when crossing streets, and be sure to observe oncoming traffic before stepping out. In areas without sidewalks, walk facing the traffic flow to have a clear view of approaching vehicles. This proactive approach helps protect pedestrians and minimizes the risk of accidents.

Seat Belt and Child Restraint Safety: Secure Their Future

Seat belts save lives and are a critical safety measure for all passengers. In 2023, over 30% of child passenger fatalities in vehicle crashes involved children who were not wearing any restraints. Ensuring that children are properly buckled in the correct car seat for their size is a responsible and caring act. Follow the car seat’s instruction manual and your vehicle’s owner manual for proper installation, and stay updated on any recalls for car seats and booster seats.

Preventing Vehicular Heatstroke: Check Your Backseat

In the hustle and bustle of school drop-offs and pick-ups, it’s crucial to remain vigilant about checking your backseat for children and pets before leaving your vehicle. Florida’s hot temperatures can quickly elevate inside a car, even when parked in the shade or with a window cracked. To prevent vehicular heatstroke, consider placing essential items like your purse, phone, or shoe in the backseat as a reminder to check before exiting.

Join Us in Promoting Child Safety

At All Injuries Law Firm, we are committed to the safety and well-being of Florida’s children. We join hands with FLHSMV, local law enforcement, and various state agencies to promote awareness and education about child safety as the school year begins. By working together and adopting safe driving practices, we can ensure that every school day is a safe day for our children.

As you prepare for the new school year, remember the shared responsibility we all have to protect our children. Prioritize safe driving habits, stay alert in school zones, and encourage others to do the same. Together, we can create a safer community for everyone.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a school-related accident, All Injuries Law Firm is here to help. Our experienced attorneys in Port Charlotte are dedicated to advocating for your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.