FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION HIGHLIGHTS PEDESTRIAN SAFETY DURING DAYTONA SPEEDWEEKS

 TALLAHASSEE - Pedestrian safety will be emphasized during the upcoming Speedweek in Daytona Beach. The Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Alert Today Alive Tomorrow campaign is designed to raise public awareness of pedestrian safety in the Sunshine State.

FDOT Secretary Prasad said, “Pedestrian safety is my highest priority. Alert Today Alive Tomorrow is the educational message we are sharing with the public, in addition to the engineering, enforcement and emergency response, that will make our state safer for drivers and pedestrians.”

To promote this important message, FDOT will sponsor the No. 87 Alert Today Alive Tomorrow Toyota driven by Joe Nemechek in the DRIVE4COPD 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach on February 23. 

The National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR), the governing body that sanctions more than 1,200 races in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Europe, including the DRIVE4COPD 300, supports the Florida Department of Transportation’s commitment to roadway safety.

“Safety is a priority for us all at NASCAR, both on and off the track,” said Marcus Jadotte, NASCAR vice president of public affairs. “We are pleased to support the Florida Department of Transportation’s efforts in raising awareness for pedestrian and bicycle safety and encourage all those on our roadways to be alert when sharing the road.” 

This partnership increases visibility of the safety campaign. Speedway officials expect approximately 250,000 visitors to the event and want to remind everyone to pay special attention around the track. There will be a lot of pedestrian activity. Remember to stay alert because safety doesn’t happen by accident.

Specific tips for reducing pedestrian fatalities include:

• Always use the crosswalk

• Stop before turning right on red

• Look before crossing

• Yield to pedestrians

• Pay attention to the road, every time, every trip

For more information on the Alert Today Alive Tomorrow campaign or details on the NASCAR Nationwide Series FDOT sponsored car, please contact Trenda McPherson, 850-245-1528, trenda.mcpherson@dot.state.fl.us.

 Media Campaigns

As part of FDOT Secretary Prasad’s initiative, the “Alert Today, Alive Tomorrow” and “Safety Doesn’t Happen by Accident” messages are being presented via TV, social media, transit advertising, local education, and enforcement activities.

Bulls Walk and Bike Week

For more information visit: www.AlertTodayFlorida.com