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MOBILITY MONDAY

Message from Our Executive Director

Driving often becomes a mindless habit. Have you ever driven a familiar route so frequently that you barely noticed you had arrived? With distractions like the radio, cell phones, and navigation systems, it’s easy to lose focus while driving. However, given that thousands of people die in distracted driving-related crashes each year, no one can afford to be inattentive behind the wheel.  There are countless ways to be distracted while driving, many of which we might not even realize, like looking at yourself in the mirror, eating, or drinking. The fact is that any non-driving activity you engage in is a potential distraction and increases the risk of crashing. The Broward Safety Action Plan (BSAP) is taking steps to educate drivers and future drivers that making good choices behind the wheel can be life-saving choices.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the number of national fatalities in distraction-affected highway crashes rose to 3,522, or 8%, of total motor vehicle-related fatalities in 2021. In Broward, 9% of fatalities and serious injury crashes are attributed to distracted driving. Nobody intends to get into a car crash. It’s often the result of a momentary loss of focus, like reading a text message. In the 5-seconds it takes a person to read or respond to a text message, a car traveling 55-mph can drive the length of a football field. By choosing not to text and practicing safe driving habits like using hands-free devices, you are actively preventing potential car crashes and making Broward County a safer place.  Between 2018 and 2022, there were 1,237 lives lost in fatal crashes in Broward County. The BSAP is sharing information about distracted driving on social media with stakeholders and the media to inspire behavior change in Broward County. Combined with making engineering decisions that limit potential crash points in high-volume corridors, the BSAP is a crossroad between driver choices and policy decisions, aiming to make roads safer for all modes of transportation. To learn more about the BSAP, visit SafeStreets4Broward.org.  

Sincerely,  

Greg Stuart  

Executive Director  

Broward MPO 

Broward MPO Joins City of Miramar to Celebrate University Drive Mobility Improvement Project  

The City of Miramar hosted the Pedestrian Bridge Ribbon Cutting for the University Drive Mobility Improvement Project on Tuesday, July 30. The event speakers include Commissioner Yvette Colbourne (Broward MPO Chair), Commissioner Maxwell Chambers, Broward MPO Deputy Executive Director James Cromar, and other key project partners. The project runs along University Drive from Riviera Drive to North of Pembroke Road, and is a collaboration between the City of Miramar, Broward MPO, FDOT, Broward County, and representatives from all municipalities along the corridor. The improvements include wide sidewalks, wide bike lanes with markings, bus shelters, a pedestrian bridge and upgraded pedestrian signals, and upgraded street LED lights and canal bank stabilization. The pedestrian bridge, along with the other improvements increase access and safety for transit, bicycle, pedestrian, and automotive users.   

Back-to-School Safety Tips to Keep Our Kids Safe  

As the new school year begins in Broward County on August 12, it’s vital for drivers to be extra vigilant to ensure the safety of children commuting to and from school. Here are some essential back-to-school safety tips for drivers: 

1. SLOW DOWN IN SCHOOL ZONES: Speed limits in school zones are reduced for a reason. Always adhere to posted speed limits and be prepared to stop suddenly if a child steps onto the street. 

2. OBEY SCHOOL BUS LAWS: When a school bus has its stop sign extended or red lights flashing, traffic must stop in both directions. Children may be crossing the road, and their safety is paramount. 

3. AVOID DISTRACTIONS: Put your phone away and focus solely on driving. Distracted driving reduces reaction time and increases the risk of accidents, especially in areas where children are present. 

4. WATCH OUT FOR PEDESTRIANS AND CYCLISTS: Children may not always use crosswalks or look both ways before crossing. Be alert for young pedestrians and cyclists who might dart into the street unexpectedly. 

5. FOLLOW CROSSING GUARD INSTRUCTIONS: Crossing guards are there to help keep kids safe. Always obey their signals and instructions without exception. 

6. BE PATIENT: School pick-up and drop-off times can be chaotic. Exercise patience and allow extra time for your commute to avoid rushing and making impulsive decisions. 

7. USE CAUTION NEAR DRIVEWAYS: Kids may suddenly appear from behind parked cars or in driveways. Drive slowly and be ready to stop. 

By following these safety tips, drivers can play a critical role in ensuring that all children arrive at school and return home safely. Remember, a little caution and awareness can go a long way in preventing accidents and keeping our communities safe. Learn more about back-to-school safety from our friends at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  

CSLIP Program Accepting Applications for Cycle 9 

The Complete Streets and Other Localized Initiatives Program (CSLIP) is now accepting applications for Cycle 9. Local partners are encouraged to submit applications before the deadline on September 4, 2024. Applicants must have participated in a pre-application meeting with the MPO earlier this year to be eligible. This program provides funding for small local transportation projects to enhance safety and mobility. For more details and to submit your application, visit the CSLIP Application Portal. Additional information can be found on the CSLIP home page by clicking here.

National Stop of Red Week Spotlights Road Safety

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District 4 is participating in National Stop on Red Week from August 4 to August 10. The campaign, aimed at promoting road safety and reducing red-light running incidents, includes collaborations with local law enforcement and community organizations. Throughout the week, educational events, public service announcements, and social media campaigns will emphasize the importance of stopping at red lights to prevent accidents and save lives.

Register Now for the Route to 2050 Summit

Registration is open for the Broward MPO’s Route to 2050 Summit: A Journey of Innovation, Community, and Mobility, which will take place on Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The Summit will highlight future transportation technologies, how these technologies will support the Metropolitan Transportation Plan's focus areas, and the partnerships needed to make this a reality. Join us for this exciting event! Seating is limited.