Safe Phone Zones At FL Rest Areas:
FDOT & GEICO Encourage Safe Driving
Posted June 1, 2015 06:45 pm
ORLANDO,
FL - The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), in
a public-private partnership with GEICO Insurance,
unveiled a statewide safety campaign to tackle the
problem of distracted driving on Florida's roads. As
part of a national effort to encourage drivers to pull
into a safe location to use their phone for calling,
texting and accessing mobile apps, Florida has
designated 64 Rest Areas, Welcome Centers and Turnpike
Service Plazas throughout the state as "Safe Phone
Zones."
The new highway signs sponsored by GEICO can be seen along the highways leading to those FDOT facilities. Additional signage within the facilities reminds motorists to take this opportunity to use their cell phones in a safe location.
"Motorist safety is our top priority and we are committed to reducing distracted driving on our roads," said FDOT Assistant Secretary for Engineering and Operations, Brian Blanchard. "By calling our Rest Areas, Welcome Centers and Service Plazas 'Safe Phone Zones,' we are saying they are much more than just Rest Stops - they are Safe Stops."
"Distracted driving crashes in Florida have increased 25 percent since 2012," said Florida Highway Patrol Major Cindy Williams. "FHP wants to remind motorists that when driving, always keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel and your mind on driving."
"Distracted driving is a major concern for motorists in Florida and across the country. Each year, there are a growing number of injuries and fatal accidents directly related to this issue," said George Rogers, GEICO regional vice president.