The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) are all using social media accounts and cell phone technology to reach out to Florida drivers and ease their daily commutes. The departments hope that drivers will turn to technology to stay informed about accidents, construction and other breaking news before getting behind the wheel.
Our South Florida car accident attorneys are pleased with the effort the state departments are taking to reduce the stress of driving in the state by keeping motorists informed. However, we ask all drivers to not Tweet or text while driving. These information feeds are beneficial, but should be accessed only before getting behind the wheel, when stopped or by a passenger. For information about the dangers of distracted driving see our Facebook page at Hang Up and Drive!
Last week, FDOT launched the FL511 Southeast Twitter feed and 11 other regional accounts, offering real-time traffic and safety information from FDOT’s 511 system, according to TCPalm. FL511 Southeast provides constant traffic feeds for South Florida, including Palm Beach, Broward County and the Miami-Dade area. The feeds are beneficial for helping plan and adjust routes as accidents occur or are cleared. The Tweets use smart coding, with “NEW,” “UPDATE,” and “CLEARED” as lead-ins to the Tweets to allow users to see at a glance what impact the news will have on their drive.
Residents can also register for My Florida 511 personalized services or download the 511 app on iTunes. The other 511 Twitter accounts include FL511 Statewide, FL511 I-10 and FL511 I-95.
In addition, FDOT manages a Facebook page where the department posts press releases, statewide highway initiatives, traffic information and safe driving tips. FLHSMV also updates its Facebook page with links to Florida crash statistics, safety initiatives and job postings. FLHSMV interacts with users and responds to questions regarding where to find information.
The official Twitter feed of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles can be accessed through @FDHSMV on Twitter. Tweets include safety reminders such as one stating that the roadway is considered a work zone for a firefighter, wrecker driver or State Trooper. The department also retweets some traffic issues from the FDOT feeds.
As a reminder, “Star FHP” (*347) is the FHP’s statewide cellular phone program for motorists who wish to report traffic crashes, stranded or disabled motorists, drunk drivers, or any suspicious incidents on Florida roads and highways. Callers will be connected to the nearest FHP communications center for free, courtesy of participating Florida cellular phone companies.
Our Treasure Coast personal injury attorneys encourage Florida residents to get plugged into live updates of traffic information and critical safety information that our state agencies and departments offer. However, arriving at your destination safely is our primary concern, and we urge you not to Tweet, access Facebook or text while driving.
About Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney
The law firm of Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, has provided professional and compassionate legal assistance to personal injury and accident victims in South Florida on the Treasure Coast since 1975. The firm’s practice areas include car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, product liability, dog bite injuries, swimming pool accidents, slip and fall injuries, medical malpractice, and wrongful death claims.
The firm represents clients throughout the South Florida communities of Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Jupiter, Stuart, Okeechobee, Vero Beach, Palm Beach, and across the state of Florida. For more information, call (800) 299-8878 or use the firm’s online contact form.
