Don't guess. Get it checked. ✔️ Correct installation and proper fit of a car seat can make all the difference for a child’s safety. During National Seat Check Saturday, have your child's car seat inspected by a certified technician for free and use these online resources for more information: bit.ly/3WckNmb A few minutes today can make a lifetime of difference.

Did you know that a train traveling 55 mph can take more than a mile to come to a complete stop? Trains cannot stop as quickly as cars, which is why it is important to pay attention to the alarms, gates, and warning lights when nearing rail crossings. FDOT continues investing in upgrades at rail crossings through engineering improvements, enhanced design standards, and new technologies to make sure there’s no room for error and that travelers have the resources they need to make the safest decisions.

Remember to stay off the tracks and mind the white lines! There are white lines at each rail crossing to show motorists where to stop and be out of harm’s way. Only cross when your vehicle can fully clear the tracks, but if you find yourself on the tracks when the gate comes down, drive forward to break the gate and get out of danger! If your vehicle becomes stuck on the tracks and you cannot drive forward, exit IMMEDIATELY, get away from the tracks, and call 911.

As part of the department’s efforts to invest in and improve rail safety standards through innovation and engineering, we piloted early train detection sensors to identify approaching trains in real time and share that information with consumer navigation apps. This way, vehicles are automatically rerouted before reaching a crossing blocked with train activity. Early results of this technology show improved driver routing and fewer instances of vehicles lining up on tracks.

Every rail crossing deserves your full attention, and every warning device is there to help keep people safe. Motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists can make smart decisions around trains and tracks by following these tips: ✅ Stay alert and avoid distractions. ✅ Never go around lowered crossing gates. ✅ Cross tracks only at designated crossings.

Today, FDOT is kicking off Rail Safety Week with the reminder that there’s zero room for error at railroad crossings! With rail being a major component of Florida’s transportation system, FDOT is addressing and enhancing rail safety from all angles by implementing the most robust safety standards in the country, but engineering improvements are only part of the solution. Safety is a shared responsibility, and this week reinforces that safe infrastructure and informed decisions work together to help prevent tragedies and support FDOT’s Target Zero vision. Read more here: bit.ly/4hhjfBT

A proper car seat is a life-saving measure that keeps our youngest vehicle passengers safe on the road. Not sure which fit is the right one? Be sure to use NHTSA’s car seat calculator to find the best suited seat for your child: bit.ly/3WckNmb

Supporting truck drivers means investing in infrastructure and technology. This year, FDOT has broken ground on 5 new truck parking sites along I-4 in Central Florida that are expected to deliver hundreds of new parking spaces upon completion. Additionally, FDOT’s upgraded Truck Parking Availability System will provide real-time parking availability, helping truckers spend less time searching for parking and more time getting deliveries to their destinations. Read more here: bit.ly/4dNhX0n

Pre-staging resources is one of the many ways FDOT stays prepared and is ready to jump into action when a weather-related emergency occurs. FDOT keeps fully fueled generators staged at all times to help keep traffic signals operational during power outages! Doing so allows traffic signals to temporarily operate until permanent power is restored, helping first responders and other motorists get back on the road safely as soon as possible.

As a way to address Florida’s need for congestion relief, FDOT created a first-in-the-nation construction delivery method called Modified Phased Design-Build. This method combines best practices from different project delivery methods to streamline work, enhance efficiencies, find cost savings and deliver projects faster.

Our Construction Career Days (CCD) invite students to discover how a career in transportation can significantly impact Florida's future. These events offer a sneak peek into the varied career options in Florida’s transportation industry, including interactive activities like learning labs. Last year, we welcomed over 8,000 students from more than 185 schools across the state! Register for an upcoming CCD event near you: ccdfl.org/

FDOT is proud to recognize Truck Driver Appreciation Week! Truckers are an essential part of Florida's transportation network, delivering goods that keep our communities and economy moving. We appreciate their dedication and remain committed to investments that improve safety, strengthen freight movement, and support the industry's continued success.

During National Preparedness Month, we are reminding Floridians of the importance of being prepared before a storm hits. Severe weather can strike at any moment, so it is imperative to have a plan in place in the event of an emergency. Get started and use our partner @FLSERT disaster supply checklist to make sure you have everything you need beforehand. For a full list of permanent tax-exempt items, visit: bit.ly/3UWGZR7

Keep safety top of mind every mile of your trip 🚗 When travelling on Florida’s roadways, be sure to follow the tips above to keep you, your passengers, and other drivers safe!

Let us take a moment to remember all those we lost 25 years ago today, and the heroes who put their lives on the line to save countless others. We will never forget.

Preventative maintenance is a foundational tenant of FDOT’s mission, which is why research and testing remains a priority. FDOT continues to invest year in and year out to ensure our roads are #1 in the country, and here are some of the things we are doing behind the scenes to deliver robust infrastructure that lasts.

In September of 1565, St. Augustine was settled in Florida, becoming the oldest continually inhabited city in the continental United States! From Juan Ponce de Leon’s early discoveries on America’s Atlantic coast, to Henry Flager’s legacy in railway development, so much of Florida’s rich history can be traced back St. Augustine. You can learn more about the city’s historic impact by visiting one of the many stops on our Florida America250 road trip: america250fl.com/roadtrip/ @America250FL

As Florida’s transportation system evolves to meet the needs of the future, our workforce needs to evolve with it. During Workforce Development Month, FDOT is proud to highlight our commitment to connecting talented job seekers with rewarding careers in the transportation sector while investing in education, skills development, and long-term career pathways. To learn more about FDOT’s Statewide Workforce Development program, visit: floridaroadjobs.com/

This Labor Day holiday, put safety first by driving sober. Impaired driving is illegal and puts lives at risk. Whether you're under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or other impairing substances, it is NEVER ok to get behind the wheel. Make the right choice by planning ahead, designating a sober driver, or making other arrangements. Together, we can save lives and help keep Florida’s roads safe.