FLHSMV, FHP Partner to Enforce Pedestrian Safety This October

Florida drivers reminded that “Safety Starts With You.”

Every October, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) joins the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to highlight pedestrian safety. The campaign’s theme, “Safety Starts With You,” reminds us that every decision we make behind the wheel or on foot can help save lives. Pedestrian safety is like a two-way street: it only works when everyone travels with care and awareness in both directions. Here’s what you should know about preventing pedestrian accidents in Florida.

In 2024, Florida recorded 12,223 pedestrian crashes, a nearly 19% increase from the year before. The good news is that fatalities and serious injuries have declined for the second straight year, with 706 deaths and 1,354 serious injuries statewide. This trend shows that education, engineering, and enforcement efforts are starting to make an impact.

Crash patterns show that the most dangerous months are December, March, and October, with crashes most often occurring in the early evening, around 6 to 8 p.m. Weeknights (especially Fridays and Tuesdays) see the highest number of incidents. These insights help state agencies target high-risk areas and times with more patrols, better lighting, and community outreach.

Why is pedestrian safety a top concern in Florida?

Pedestrians face greater risks on Florida’s roads than any other type of traveler. People walking often share limited space with cars, trucks, bicycles, and motorcycles. According to state crash data, Florida continues to see high numbers of pedestrian fatalities and injuries each year. That’s why FLHSMV and its partners use this month to remind all Floridians that pedestrian safety requires constant attention. Whether you’re a driver approaching a crosswalk or someone walking home from work, a moment of distraction can change a life forever.

Leaders across the state have made it clear that pedestrian safety is about people, not just numbers. “Pedestrian safety is a public safety priority, and this campaign reflects our commitment to reducing fatalities through awareness, education, and enforcement,” said FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner. He urged both drivers and pedestrians to take proactive steps: stay alert, cross safely, and make yourself visible.

Colonel Gary Howze of the Florida Highway Patrol shared the same message from the front lines. “Our troopers see firsthand the devastating impact of pedestrian-involved crashes,” he said. “We’re urging drivers to stay alert, slow down in pedestrian zones, and always yield the right of way. Lives depend on it, and every decision behind the wheel matters.”

Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E., added that safety is a shared responsibility. Along with enforcement and education, FDOT continues to improve infrastructure by adding safer crosswalks, lighting, and pedestrian-friendly design features throughout the state.

What should Florida drivers do to protect pedestrians?

Every intersection in Florida is considered a crosswalk, whether it’s painted or not, unless posted otherwise. That means drivers must always be prepared to stop for someone crossing. Drivers can prevent countless tragedies simply by following these guidelines:

Always look for pedestrians. Use extra caution in low-light conditions or bad weather.
Slow down near crosswalks. Never pass another car that has stopped at a crosswalk; someone might be crossing that you can’t see.
Yield to pedestrians. Florida law requires drivers and bicyclists to stop for people legally crossing the street. Failing to yield can lead to a $164 citation, three points on your license, and far worse consequences if someone gets hurt.
Obey speed limits. Drive especially carefully in school zones and residential neighborhoods.
Be cautious when backing up. Always check mirrors and blind spots, as pedestrians can move into your path quickly.

How can pedestrians stay safe on Florida’s roads?

Every driver in Florida has a duty to watch for people walking, yield at crosswalks, and slow down in areas with foot traffic. But until every driver makes safety a habit, pedestrians are often left to take extra steps to protect themselves.

Here are a few ways to reduce risk when walking along Florida’s busy roads:

Use sidewalks whenever possible. If there isn’t one, walk facing traffic and keep as much distance as you can.
Stay alert. Avoid using headphones or phones while crossing streets. Keep your eyes and ears open.
Cross at crosswalks or intersections. If you must cross elsewhere, choose a well-lit area where drivers can see you and wait for a clear gap in traffic.
Avoid crossing between parked cars. It makes it hard for drivers to see you until it’s too late.
Make yourself visible. Wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials at night, or carry a flashlight. Make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the road.

Again, drivers bear the greatest responsibility for preventing pedestrian crashes, but until everyone behind the wheel takes that seriously, pedestrians can protect themselves by staying visible, alert, and predictable.

How insurance companies try to limit pedestrian injury claims

After a pedestrian crash, many injured Floridians are surprised to learn how quickly insurance companies try to downplay what happened. Even when liability seems clear, adjusters often act fast to protect their bottom line, not your recovery.

Insurance companies may use several tactics to reduce or deny your claim:

Shifting blame: Adjusters might argue that you were distracted, crossed outside a crosswalk, or wore dark clothing to make it seem like you contributed to the crash.
Questioning your injuries: Insurers frequently claim that your injuries aren’t as serious as reported or that they stem from a prior condition rather than the crash itself.
Pushing quick settlements: You might receive a fast offer that looks helpful but barely covers your medical bills. Once you accept, you can’t ask for more, even if future complications arise.
Delaying your case: Some insurers drag out the process, hoping you’ll get frustrated or desperate enough to settle for less.

That’s why it’s important to contact a Florida pedestrian accident lawyer before speaking to the insurance company. A skilled attorney can handle those conversations, gather the evidence that proves fault, and push back against bad-faith tactics designed to minimize your payout.

What should I do if I’m hit by a car while walking in Florida?

If you were hit by a car while walking in Florida, your first step after getting medical care should be to protect your legal rights. That’s where Personal Injury Legal Solutions comes in. Based in Plantation, our Florida pedestrian accident lawyers know exactly what to do after a crash like yours. We’ll investigate what happened, gather the evidence needed to prove fault, and handle the insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery.

When you work with our law firm, you don’t pay anything up front. We handle every case on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win. We know how Florida’s laws work and how to deal with insurance companies that try to take advantage of you. From Plantation to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Tampa, and Orlando, our attorneys fight for injured pedestrians and families across the state who deserve justice and fair compensation.

The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can start building your case and protecting your rights. Contact us online or call today to schedule a free consultation with our legal team. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and take immediate steps to hold the at-fault driver accountable. You focus on healing, and our team will handle everything else.