Making Roads Safer: How You Can Contribute to Traffic Safety

August 16, 2024

As a professional dedicated to traffic safety, I’ve spent over 25 years focused on making our roadways safer for everyone. With a background in traffic operations and safety, and as a Road Safety Professional, I’ve been a part of a Community Traffic Safety Team (CTST) since 1999.  Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand the vital role that safe roads play in our daily lives, our economy, and our communities.

Roads do much more than just get us from point A to point B. They connect us to new experiences, help us reach places that hold special memories, and support the economic and social fabric of our communities. However, with this connectivity comes a shared responsibility to ensure that these roads are safe for all who use them.

Unfortunately, traffic incidents are still all too common. In 2022 alone, Florida saw over 7,000 roadway crashes, resulting in nearly 3,500 fatalities and thousands of serious injuries. In Northeast Florida’s District 2, which encompasses 18 counties, the numbers are equally concerning. Every day, this region sees an average of 174 crashes, leading to injuries and even fatalities.  But these numbers aren’t just statistics—they represent real people. They are our family members, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. This is why traffic safety is so important, and why we must work together to make our roads safer.

The Community Traffic Safety Program (CTSP) is designed to tackle local traffic safety challenges with the support of state resources. In District 2, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) supports seven multicounty CTSTs.  These teams are composed of local highway safety advocates who collaborate to address traffic safety issues through a multi-disciplinary approach.  The program focuses on the "Four Es" of traffic safety:

• Engineering: Improving roadway conditions to prevent accidents.

• Education:  Raising awareness about traffic safety through events and materials.

• Enforcement: Supporting law enforcement to ensure traffic laws are followed.

• Emergency Services: Engaging health departments and hospitals to respond effectively to traffic incidents.

These teams work together to identify, develop, and implement strategies that address the unique traffic safety needs of their communities.

One of the most powerful ways you can contribute to traffic safety is by reporting roadway concerns in your area. Whether it's a malfunctioning traffic signal, a missing road sign, or a hazardous intersection, your input is invaluable.  Submitting a concern is simple. Visit www.trafficsafetyteam.org and fill out the online form. You’ll be asked to provide details about the issue, including its location and nature, which helps the CTST team address the problem more effectively. Once submitted, your concern is reviewed, and the appropriate actions are taken. You’ll be kept informed throughout the process, from investigation to resolution.  It’s important to remember that some issues may take time to resolve, especially if they require coordination with larger projects. However, every concern is taken seriously, and your input could lead to significant improvements in road safety.

Your involvement makes a difference. Here are a few examples of how community input has led to real changes in Northeast Florida:

• In Bradford County, audible pedestrian signals were installed to assist hearing-impaired individuals at a busy intersection.

• In Duval County, safety posts were added to separate turn lanes, preventing accidents at a problematic intersection.

• In Clay County, a pedestrian hybrid beacon was introduced to enhance safety near a school zone, addressing concerns about pedestrian crossings.

These success stories demonstrate how community advocacy can lead to tangible safety improvements.  Traffic safety is a shared responsibility, and together, we can make a difference. By staying vigilant and reporting concerns, you help make our roads safer for everyone. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to traffic safety.

**This article is a condensed version of a presentation given to the Northeast Florida Community Traffic Safety Teams. You can access the full video presentation below.

Engineering Excellence Through Education