Florida Launches Child Safety Awareness Campaign as Students Head Back to School

By Digital Staff Reporter

iSkyNews.com (ISN) – Published August 3rd, 2026

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — As students across Florida prepare to return to the classroom, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) is urging motorists, parents, caregivers, and students to prioritize safety during Child Safety Awareness Month.

The annual "Know Their Zone" campaign focuses on keeping children safe around school buses, school zones, crosswalks, neighborhoods, and school campuses as back-to-school traffic increases throughout August.

State officials say every driver plays a critical role in protecting children, whether they're boarding a school bus, walking to class, riding a bicycle, or being dropped off at school.

Slow Down and Watch for Children

With thousands of students returning to school, FLHSMV reminds drivers to slow down in school zones, obey crossing guards, and stay alert for children who may unexpectedly enter the roadway.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, more than 54,000 speeding citations were issued in work and school zones during 2025, making speeding the most common traffic violation affecting school and child safety.

Drivers should also remember that:

Reduced school zone speed limits are typically 15 to 20 mph when flashing beacons are active.
Fines are doubled for speeding violations in school zones.
Using a handheld wireless device is illegal in active school zones, school crossings, and work zones.

Stop for School Buses

Officials are also reminding motorists that passing a stopped school bus is not only illegal—it can put children's lives at risk.

Florida strengthened its school bus safety laws in recent years, increasing penalties for drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses.

Current penalties include:

Minimum $200 fine for illegally passing on the opposite (left) side, with a potential driver's license suspension for repeat offenders.
Minimum $400 fine, a mandatory court appearance, and possible license points for illegally passing on the side where children enter and exit the bus. Repeat violations can result in a license suspension of up to two years.

Pedestrian Safety

Parents are encouraged to review pedestrian safety with their children before school begins.

Safety officials recommend:

Crossing only at marked crosswalks or intersections.
Looking both ways and making eye contact with drivers before crossing.
Avoiding distractions such as phones or headphones.
Walking on sidewalks whenever available, or facing traffic if sidewalks are not present.
Wearing bright or reflective clothing when walking during low-light conditions.

Never Leave Children or Pets in Vehicles

As families adjust to new school routines, FLHSMV is reminding parents and caregivers to always check the back seat before leaving their vehicle.

Officials warn that the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rise by 20 degrees in just 10 minutes, even on relatively mild days.

Leaving a child unattended in a vehicle is a criminal offense in Florida and can result in felony charges if serious injury occurs.

If you see a child or pet locked inside a hot vehicle, officials urge you to call 911 immediately.

Check Before You Reverse

The campaign also highlights the dangers of vehicular backover crashes, encouraging drivers to walk around their vehicle before backing up and to ensure children are safely away from driveways and parking areas.

Parents are encouraged to teach children not to play around parked vehicles and to stay where drivers can clearly see them.

As the new school year gets underway, FLHSMV and the Florida Highway Patrol say simple actions—slowing down, eliminating distractions, stopping for school buses, and remaining alert—can help prevent tragedies and keep Florida's students safe.

Source: Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).