Sharing the Road: Bike Safety Tips for a Safer May
May marks Bike Safety Month, a timely reminder that as temperatures rise and days grow longer, more bicyclists will be sharing the road. Whether riding for recreation, exercise, or transportation, it is essential that both cyclists and drivers stay aware and prioritize safety. Here are the facts: Each year, nearly 1,000 bicyclists die on our nation’s roads in crashes involving a motor vehicle. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) About 59% of bicyclist deaths occur on sections of roads away from intersections (where higher speeds might occur) and 29% occur at intersections. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) Bicycle helmets reduce the risk of head and brain injuries in the event of a crash. (Hoye A. Bicycle helmets – to wear or not to wear?) Bicyclists can take several simple steps to protect themselves every time they ride. Always wear a properly fitted helmet; they significantly reduce the risk of serious head injuries and can[...]
Red-Light Cameras in Florida: Why Saving Lives Matters More Than the Debate
Traffic safety is one of those issues that can sound technical until it becomes painfully personal. For Melissa Wandall, it has been personal for years. The Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act came out of unimaginable loss after her husband was killed by a red-light runner while she was nine months pregnant. Her family’s story is a reminder that reckless decisions at intersections do not end as statistics on a page. They change families forever. The Real Question Behind the Debate Red-light cameras have been debated for years. Some people view them as a useful enforcement tool. Others remain skeptical. But if the goal is to reduce preventable deaths and serious crashes, then the strongest test should be whether they help make intersections safer. Florida’s own reporting gives that discussion an important foundation. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles publishes annual summaries on red-light camera programs and crash outcomes at monitored intersections.[...]
The Real Cost of Distracted Driving: A Choice We All Control
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the choices we make behind the wheel and the lives those choices impact. Driving distracted is not just a bad habit; it is a dangerous decision with life-altering consequences. Road fatalities occur worldwide every 23 seconds. According to The Kiefer Foundation, each year, approximately 1.3 million people lose their lives due to traffic crashes. Distracted driving claims more than 3,000 lives in the United States each year. These are not just statistics; they represent families forever changed. $340 Billion In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates the economic cost of motor vehicle crashes in 2019 was $340 billion, with $98 billion directly tied to distracted driving. Beyond the financial impact is the immeasurable emotional toll carried by families and communities. Distracted driving is preventable. It is a choice. And with that choice comes responsibility. Simple actions can make[...]
The Dangers of Winter Driving and How to Stay Safe
Winter driving can be dangerous for drivers of all ages. Cold temperatures, snow, ice, and shorter days all increase the risk of crashes. Roads that seem safe can quickly become slippery, and drivers may have less time to react. Knowing the dangers and how to prepare can help keep everyone safer during winter months. One major danger of winter driving is icy roads. Ice is often hard to see and can form on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas. When tires lose traction, vehicles can slide and become difficult to control. Snow and slush can also make it harder to stop or steer. Even light snowfall can lead to dangerous road conditions. Visibility is another serious concern. Snow, fog, and blowing wind can reduce how far drivers can see ahead. Shorter daylight hours mean more driving in the dark, especially during morning and evening commutes. These conditions make it harder to spot pedestrians, cyclists, and[...]
Stop on Red Week 2025: A Movement Fueled by Unity and Action
Every first week of August, communities, law enforcement, and advocates across the country pause to shine a light on one of the most preventable causes of roadway tragedy: running red lights. Stop on Red Week 2025 was more than an awareness campaign—it was a rallying cry for safety, accountability, and community resilience. As President of the National Coalition for Safer Roads (NCSR), I had the privilege of witnessing this movement grow into a national wave of advocacy that touches thousands of people every year. Welcome! If you’re new here, I’m Melissa Wandall, President of the National Coalition for Safer Roads (NCSR). I get to work alongside passionate advocates, law enforcement, community leaders, and public health professionals to make our roads safer for everyone. I’m here to share what I’ve learned, highlight actionable strategies, and help communities prevent collisions and save lives. This year’s theme, “Safe Stops. Stronger Communities,” grounded the week in what matters[...]
It Won’t Happen to Me … Until It Does: A National Safety Month Wake-Up Call
On average, 116 lives are lost in traffic crashes every single day in the United States*. This number is more than strangers on the news, it represents mothers, fathers, children, spouses, coworkers and friends. And here’s the hard truth: You never think it will happen to you, until it does. As someone who speaks and advocates for safe driving, especially around school buses, pedestrians, bicyclists, and fellow drivers, I know how easy it is for people to tune out the message. We’ve heard to “Drive Safe” a thousand times, but we don’t let it sink in. June is National Safety Month, and I want to invite you to pause and truly ask yourself: Are you driving in a way that protects not only your life, but the lives of others? Face the Truth Crashes aren’t caused by “bad” drivers, they are caused by bad decisions. These include: Checking a text. Speeding up to beat a[...]