Florida public safety partners urge motorists to arrive alive during summer celebrations

Tallahassee, Florida – As Florida gears up for one of the busiest and most festive summers in recent memory, state public safety officials are asking residents and visitors to keep one simple goal in mind every time they get behind the wheel: arrive alive.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), together with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), has officially launched its annual Arrive Alive public safety campaign, a statewide initiative designed to encourage responsible driving during the peak summer travel months. Running from June 1 through July 31, 2026, the campaign arrives as communities across the state prepare for Fourth of July celebrations, family vacations, neighborhood barbecues, fireworks displays, and special events marking America’s 250th birthday.

This year’s message is straightforward but timely. Officials say that while summer has historically been one of the safest periods for motorists on Florida roads, that does not mean drivers can let their guard down. The campaign emphasizes personal responsibility, sober driving, and careful decision-making, reminding motorists that even a single poor choice can have life-changing consequences.

Roadways across the state are expected to become increasingly crowded over the next several weeks as families travel to beaches, amusement parks, sporting events, and holiday gatherings. In addition, Florida is preparing to welcome large numbers of visitors for America250 celebrations and FIFA World Cup-related events, creating even more traffic and placing additional demands on public safety agencies.

“As Floridians prepare to celebrate this incredible milestone in our nation’s history, we want nothing more than for every family to enjoy the summer season and arrive at every destination safely,” said FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner. “The Arrive Alive campaign reflects our unwavering commitment to the millions of people who travel Florida’s roads every single day. We ask all Floridians and visitors to do their part by staying alert, staying sober, and making smart choices behind the wheel this summer.”

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State officials say the campaign is built around a partnership between law enforcement agencies, transportation officials, and local communities. Troopers and officers will increase their visibility on major highways and heavily traveled corridors while continuing educational outreach aimed at preventing crashes before they happen.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, enforcement efforts will focus on dangerous driving behaviors that consistently contribute to serious and fatal crashes. Those include impaired driving, excessive speeding, distracted driving, and reckless actions that put other motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians at risk.

“The men and women of Florida Highway Patrol are committed to protecting every person on Florida’s roads, and there is no better time to reaffirm that commitment than as our nation celebrates 250 years of freedom,” said FHP Colonel Gary Howze. “We will be visible, we will be vigilant, and we will hold accountable anyone who chooses to endanger others through impaired or reckless driving.”

Traffic safety leaders point to years of crash data that paint an encouraging picture while also highlighting the need for continued caution. Statewide records covering all reported crashes from January 2022 through April 2026 show that June and July consistently rank among Florida’s safest months for travel. Combined, the two months account for a little more than 15 percent of annual crashes and just over 14 percent of yearly traffic fatalities.

Officials note that this period also represents the lowest share of fatal crashes of any time during the year. However, they stress that these numbers should not create a false sense of security. Lower risk does not mean no risk, and every year hundreds of preventable collisions still occur because of impaired, distracted, or aggressive driving.

One area of particular concern continues to be impaired driving. Data collected by state authorities show that alcohol- or drug-related crashes remain a persistent problem even during the safest months of the year. In June alone, Florida recorded 1,801 impaired driving crashes out of a total of 215,103 crashes statewide. In July, the number increased to 1,930 impaired driving crashes among 216,612 total reported incidents.

Behind those statistics, officials say, are real people and real families whose lives can be changed forever by one poor decision.

The Arrive Alive campaign is therefore centered not only on enforcement but also on prevention. Motorists are being encouraged to make a travel plan before heading out for celebrations, especially if alcohol is involved. Authorities recommend designating a sober driver, using rideshare services or public transportation when available, and never getting behind the wheel while impaired.

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The Florida Department of Transportation is also joining the effort, emphasizing that the summer season will bring an unusually large number of travelers to the state. Officials believe that increased awareness and responsible behavior can help reduce congestion-related incidents and ensure that visitors and residents alike enjoy a safe holiday season.

“With America250 celebrations and FIFA World Cup events bringing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Free State of Florida this summer, responsible behaviors behind the wheel are more important than ever to help everyone get to their destinations safely,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “Let’s all do our part to keep Florida’s roads safe this summer as we celebrate the freedoms of our great nation.”

Local law enforcement agencies are echoing that message. Sheriffs’ offices across Florida expect a significant increase in road traffic as families travel to beaches, parks, community festivals, and hometown events. For many agencies, the Arrive Alive campaign provides an opportunity to reinforce simple habits that can make a major difference, including obeying speed limits, remaining patient in heavy traffic, and staying focused on the road.

“Summer travel brings increased traffic to every corner of our state, from beaches and theme parks to hometown celebrations and neighborhood barbecues. Florida’s sheriffs and our policing partners remain committed to keeping our roadways safe throughout the busy summer travel season,” said Florida Sheriffs Association President and Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma. “The message behind Arrive Alive is simple but important: one safe drive at a time. Staying patient, attentive, and responsible behind the wheel can save lives.”

Public safety officials also want drivers to remember that roadway safety extends beyond those inside vehicles. Florida’s roads are shared by motorcyclists, bicyclists, pedestrians, and emergency responders, all of whom depend on motorists making careful and considerate choices. Looking twice before changing lanes, slowing down in work zones, and giving vulnerable road users enough space can help prevent tragedies.

The Florida Police Chiefs Association says creating safer roads requires a collective effort and that every person using the transportation system has a role to play.

“The Florida Police Chiefs Association is proud to stand alongside the Florida Highway Patrol and our public safety partners in encouraging everyone traveling Florida’s roadways this summer to slow down, stay alert, and make safety their top priority,” said FPCA President and Fort Walton Beach Police Chief Robert Bage. “As we celebrate a significant milestone in our nation’s history, we are reminded that the freedoms we enjoy are strengthened by personal responsibility, mutual respect, and consideration for one another. Whether traveling by car, motorcycle, bicycle, or on foot, each of us plays a role in creating safer roadways for our families, neighbors, and visitors. On behalf of more than 1,000 law enforcement executives across Florida, we encourage all Floridians and visitors to make safe choices, look out for one another, and Arrive Alive.”

As the campaign continues throughout June and July, state troopers and their public safety partners say they will maintain a visible presence across Florida’s highways, ready to assist stranded motorists and respond quickly when emergencies occur. At the same time, they are reminding the public that the safest roads are created not by enforcement alone, but by individual choices made every day.

The message at the heart of the campaign remains unchanged: buckle up before every trip, slow down, put the phone away, never drive impaired, and remember that every journey should end the same way—with everyone making it home safely.