August 2024

Back to School in August

Video above: Safe Fleet's Back to School Road Safety Tips for Drivers and Students

SAFETY TIP: When driving in school zones, always be cautious, be prepared to stop, and be aware of your surroundings.

This year, both Volusia and Flagler County Schools begin classes on Monday, August 12, 2024. As students head back to school, it's crucial that we prioritize their safety, especially when it comes to walking or biking to school. Please encourage students to always use designated crosswalks, wear bright-colored clothing or reflective gear, and ensure that bikes have working lights and reflectors. Remind them to stay alert, avoid distractions like phones, and follow all traffic laws. Drivers should take special care to be alert and follow speed limits. Yield to pedestrians and cyclists and be aware there may be new drivers on the road. By following these safety tips, we can help students have a safe journey to and from school.

When to Stop for School Buses

River to Sea TPO Summer Outreach

Over the summer, the River to Sea TPO participated in many events centered around bicycle, pedestrian, and driver safety. Below are pictures taken at some of these events.

Deltona BPAC Member Victor Ramos and Deltona Commissioner Troy Shimkus at the Deltona Regional Library's Back to School Carnival in August.

TPO Staff member Donna Ralston after fitting a child for a bicycle helmet at the Back to School Carnival. Over 100 helmets were provided to the kids and adults at this event.

Two sisters received properly fitted bicycle helmets at the DeBary Public Library helmet fitting and safety presentation in June.

The group of children who received bicycle helmets during the Deltona Parks and Recreation Camp helmet fitting held at Wes Crile Park. More than 60 helmets were fitted.

National Stop on Red Week

During the first full week in August, August 4-10, 2024, our nation will observe Stop on Red Week which highlights the significance of red lights and helps to stop the deaths that are caused by running red lights. Created by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in 1995 to reduce the severity of traffic crashes by educating the public, it has become an annual observance in the US. In 2016, 808 people were killed and 137,000 were injured as a result of drivers running red lights. In the same year, 39% of people were injured in crashes in which motorists ran traffic controls. Pedestrians, bicyclists, or occupants in vehicles make up for over half the deaths caused by running red lights. Read more about National Stop on Red Week

Video Above: Verra Mobility National Stop on Red Week

Trivia Time: Do you know why traffic signals are red? It is because the color red indicates danger and is the most visible from a distance and during fog.

August Activity Calendar

*Meeting held in the Conference Room at River to Sea TPO office, 1 Deuce Court, Suite 100, Daytona Beach

**Meeting held in Airline Room at Daytona Beach International Airport, 700 Catalina Drive, Daytona Beach

Upcoming TPO Board and

Advisory Committee Activities

This month, the River to Sea TPO Board and Advisory Committees will take action on a roll-forward amendment for the FY 2024/25 - 2028/29 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). This roll-forward amendment is required to ensure that the projects shown in the TIP are consistent with the projects in FDOT's Work Program. In addition, the TPO Board will be taking action on a Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) amendment. The UPWP describes the planning tasks to be undertaken by the TPO during the upcoming two fiscal years. The TPO Board and Advisory Committees also will be taking action to change the name of the River to Sea Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) to the Volusia Flagler Transportation Planning Organization (TPO). The new name will more accurately reflect the expanded planning area that the TPO covers.

In addition to these action items, the TPO Board and Advisory Committees will receive a presentation from FDOT on the Central Florida Safety Strategic Plan (CFSSP). The CFSSP is a 5-year plan built around the core themes of increased collaboration, thinking beyond infrastructure, and a continued focus on safety. Click here to read the FDOT CFSSP.

Additional information on TPO Board and Advisory Committee meeting agendas is available at River to Sea TPO Agendas.

Information on the River to Sea TPO's public outreach and activities is available at Outreach & Activities.

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