August kicks off Child Safety Awareness Month as Florida officials urge drivers, parents, and communities to protect children on roads

Tallahassee, Florida – As thousands of Florida students prepare to return to classrooms, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) is launching its annual Child Safety Awareness Campaign to remind drivers, parents, caregivers, and children about the importance of staying alert in areas where young people are most vulnerable.

The August campaign marks the beginning of back-to-school season and focuses on a simple but important message: Know Their Zone. Officials are encouraging motorists to pay close attention around school buses, school zones, neighborhoods, and areas where children walk, bike, or wait for rides before and after school.

FLHSMV, along with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and public safety partners throughout the state, said every driver has a role in helping students travel safely. Whether a child is starting school for the first time or returning for another year, officials say small decisions behind the wheel can make a major difference.

The campaign highlights several important safety areas, including stopping for school buses, following school zone speed limits, using proper child restraints and seat belts, practicing pedestrian safety, preventing vehicular heatstroke, and avoiding backover incidents.

“Florida continues to lead the nation in educational achievement, and with that success comes a shared responsibility to protect the children who represent our state’s future. As the school year begins, every motorist plays a critical role in ensuring students can travel safely to and from the classroom,” said FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner. “By slowing down, staying alert, and respecting school zones and school buses, we help safeguard the next generation of leaders who make Florida strong.”

Officials said school areas become especially busy during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal times. Increased traffic, pedestrians, bicycles, and school buses create situations where drivers need to be more careful and patient.

Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze said troopers regularly see the consequences of dangerous driving behaviors near schools and buses.

“Florida Highway Patrol troopers see firsthand the impact that speeding, distraction, and unsafe decisions can have on our communities, especially around schools and school buses. As students return to class, we urge all motorists to Know Their Zone, put safety first, and stay vigilant,” said FHP Colonel Gary Howze. “A moment of inattention can lead to tragedy, but a moment of caution can save a life. Together, we can create a safer environment for every child on every road.”

Drivers Reminded to Stop for School Buses

One of the campaign’s main focuses is reminding motorists that passing a stopped school bus is not only illegal but can put children’s lives at risk.

In 2023, Florida lawmakers passed House Bill 0657 and Senate Bill 0766, allowing local governments to use school zone speed detection systems and school bus passing detection systems. These tools are designed to improve enforcement and encourage drivers to follow safety rules.

Officials emphasized that children are often crossing roads while entering or leaving buses, making illegal school bus passes especially dangerous.

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Speeding also remains one of the most common violations affecting child safety. More than 54,000 unlawful speeding citations were issued in work or school zones in Florida during 2025.

Drivers are reminded to follow reduced speed limits in school areas and slow down to posted speeds, usually between 15 and 20 mph, when school zone warning lights or flashing signals are active. These restrictions typically apply during school sessions and during the periods before and after the school day.

Violations in school zones can result in doubled fines.

“As Florida’s students begin a new year, we must remember that education requires safety. Every student deserves to arrive at school ready to learn and return home safely,” said Commissioner of Education Henry Mack. “That responsibility extends beyond our schools, and belongs to every motorist traveling through our communities. All drivers should slow down in school zones, remain alert around school buses, and do their part to protect Florida’s students as we begin another successful school year. I appreciate the Florida Highway Safety & Motor Vehicle’s partnership in promoting this important message and helping keep Florida’s students safe as they start the 2026-2027 school year.”

Florida law includes serious penalties for drivers who fail to stop for school buses. Passing a stopped school bus on the left side carries a minimum fine of $200, and a second offense within five years may result in a driver’s license suspension of up to one year.

Passing on the right side, where children enter and exit the bus, carries a minimum $400 fine, requires a mandatory court hearing, and may result in points being added to a driver’s license. A second offense within five years may lead to a license suspension of up to two years.

“As students return to school, our roads and school zones will once again become busier. A little extra patience and attention can make a meaningful difference. By slowing down, watching for crossing guards and school buses, and staying alert, we can all help students begin the school year safely and confidently,” said Andrea Messina, CEO, Florida School Boards Association.

Staying Alert Around Schools and Neighborhoods

Officials are also reminding drivers that distractions can quickly create dangerous situations. Handheld wireless device use is illegal in school crossings, school zones, and active work zones.

According to state safety officials, a crash occurs every 44 seconds in Florida, and one out of every seven crashes involves distracted driving.

Parents are encouraged to discuss safety habits with their children before the school year begins. Children should understand how to safely approach school buses, cross streets, and move through areas with traffic.

Pedestrian safety is another major part of the campaign. Children and adults walking near schools are encouraged to use sidewalks whenever possible. If sidewalks are unavailable, pedestrians should walk facing traffic so they can see approaching vehicles.

Safety officials recommend crossing only at corners or marked crosswalks, staying alert, and avoiding distractions such as phones or headphones. Pedestrians should wait for vehicles to stop and make eye contact with drivers before entering the roadway.

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Children should never walk into streets from between parked vehicles, where drivers may not be able to see them. At night or in low visibility conditions, bright or reflective clothing and flashlights can help pedestrians become easier to spot.

Preventing Heatstroke and Vehicle-Related Dangers

The campaign also reminds families about the dangers of children and pets being left inside hot vehicles.

As school schedules change, officials encourage parents and caregivers to create reminders to check the back seat before leaving a vehicle. Simple steps, such as placing a phone or personal item in the back seat, can help prevent accidental tragedies.

Florida temperatures can quickly become dangerous inside parked vehicles. Officials said the temperature inside a vehicle can rise by as much as 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. Children are especially vulnerable to heatstroke, which can occur even when outdoor temperatures are only 57 degrees.

Leaving a child unattended in a vehicle is a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500. If a child is injured, the offense can become a third-degree felony.

Anyone who sees a child or pet trapped inside a hot vehicle should call 911 immediately. Florida law allows bystanders to take action to rescue vulnerable people or animals in these situations.

Officials also advise drivers to keep vehicles locked and store keys away from children to prevent accidental vehicle entry or entrapment.

Preventing Backover Incidents

Another focus of Child Safety Awareness Month is preventing vehicle backover crashes, especially involving young children.

Parents are encouraged to teach children not to play near vehicles and to move away when a driver enters a car. Toys, bicycles, and other objects should be kept away from driveways and areas where vehicles operate.

Drivers should walk around their vehicle before backing up, especially because smaller children can be difficult to see. Motorists should check mirrors, look behind the vehicle, roll down windows to listen for movement, and reverse slowly.

While many newer vehicles include rear cameras and warning systems, officials said these features should not replace physically checking the area around a vehicle.

“As another school year begins, a little extra awareness will help keep our communities safe,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “Drive with your full attention around schools to keep a safe environment for students, families, and all travelers.”

“The start of a new school year is an exciting time for students and families, but it also brings increased traffic and activity around our schools. We are thankful for all our troopers, officers and deputies who are committed to protecting our children, but school safety is a shared responsibility. We urge every driver to obey school zone speed limits, stop for school buses, and stay focused behind the wheel being ever mindful of children walking or biking to school. Slow down, eliminate distractions, and remain alert. By working together, we can create safer roads, safer schools, and stronger communities for every child,” said Chief David Currey, President Florida Police Chiefs Association.

Through the Child Safety Awareness Campaign, Florida officials are encouraging everyone on the road to slow down, stay focused, and remember that protecting children requires cooperation from the entire community.