Page 12 - Feb2018BPSNews
P. 12

Space Coast Transporta on Planning, BPS Partner to Urge Communi es to “Put It Down”
By Abby Hemenway, pubic informa on o ce,
Space Coast Traspor on Planning Organiza on
In conjunc on with district representa ves from the Florida Department of Transporta on (FDOT) and Brevard Public Schools’ School Health Advisory Commi ee (SHAC), the Space Coast TPO recently launched a mul - pronged “Put It Down” campaign – highligh ng distracted driving awareness. SHAC has made it a priority to help raise awareness
about the
issue of using
cell phones
while driving,
especially
in and near
schools. With
the help of
FDOT and
the SHAC
commi ee, the
TPO recently
distributed vinyl
“Put It Down”
banners to
each school for
administrators
to place in
highly visible
areas near or
around the car
loops to serve
as a visual cue
for both parents and students.
According to the Na onal Highway Tra c Safety Administra on (NHTSA), “Distracted driving is any ac vity that diverts a en on from driving, including talking or tex ng on your phone, ea ng and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle,  ddling with the stereo, entertainment or naviga on system—anything that takes your a en on away from the task of safe driving.” The consequences of distracted driving are horri c. In 2015 alone, 3,477 people were killed, and 391,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers. Of these tasks, tex ng while driving seems to be the most prevalent distrac on.
As it stands now, tex ng and driving is considered a secondary o ense in the state of Florida. Currently, there is proposed legisla on that would make tex ng and driving a primary o ense. A primary o ense means law enforcement o cers could stop a motorist solely for tex ng while driving, the o cers would not have to observe another viola on such as speeding or running a stop sign to stop an o ender. The bill has moved to
the Senate Appropria ons commi ee for review and could become e ec ve July 1.
The TPO is commi ed to suppor ng the community
in raising awareness about distracted driving. In addi on to
the school deliverables, the TPO will launch a “Put It Down” social media campaign in March which it will push out to
law enforcement agencies and public informa on o cers throughout Brevard.
Above all, the  ght to end distracted driving starts with you. Make the commitment to drive phone-free today, especially in school zones. Here’s how you can help:
· Protect lives by never tex ng or talking on the phone while driving.
· Be a good passenger and speak out if the driver in my car is distracted.
· Encourage my friends and family to drive phone-free.
       (day & night classes)
Microsoft Office Specialist certifications-
$100/certification
Customer services & sales Certification Program
Gentle Community Yoga $5!
Tuesday Evenings
 BREVARD ADULT EDUCATION
is offering new classes to the community!
Contact Anna Ryan 321-633-3660 X 170 for more information
                            


















































   8   9   10   11   12