October is Pedestrian Safety Month | | |
Pedestrian Safety Month is dedicated to increasing driver awareness, improving pedestrian visibility, and encouraging safer road sharing between drivers and pedestrians. At some point in every day, whether you are walking to work or school, running errands, or simply getting exercise, everyone is a pedestrian.
Tips for Pedestrians
- Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals at all times.
- Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
- Always cross at a crosswalk. If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic.
- Do not rely on others to keep you safe; make eye contact with drivers when possible and wait for a clear, complete stop before crossing.
- Children under 10 should not cross the street alone. Encourage children to find a walking buddy, and let children know who can help them cross the street safely — generally adults or siblings over the age of 12.
- Make a walkability checklist. Walk with family and friends in your community to determine safe and unsafe features on your walk, who uses the walkways, and note any other concerns. More information about improving community walkways may be found at: NHTSA.gov/WalkabilityChecklist.
Tips for Drivers
- Drivers should slow down and always watch for pedestrians. When approaching a crosswalk, yield to pedestrians and give plenty of room around crosswalks so that other vehicles can see them too.
- Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street, in school zones, and in neighborhoods where children are present.
- Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions — 76% of pedestrian fatalities in 2024 occurred in the dark.
- Drive sober — alcohol use (for the driver and/or pedestrian) was reported in 43% of all fatal pedestrian crashes in 2024.
- Look out for pedestrians everywhere and minimize blind spots; be extra cautious when backing up.
For more pedestrian safety information, visit NHTSA.gov/PedestrianSafety.
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National Teen Driver Safety Week (Oct. 18–24): Focused on empowering parents, schools and safety advocates to address primary risk factors for young drivers, including and outreach toolkits are available at Traffic Safety Marketing Teen Driver Safety Hub and Teen Safe Driving Coalition. Impact Teen Drivers offers an interactive safety course for teen drivers at Impact Teen Drivers.
DriveitHOME is a program of the National Safety Council in partnership with GM, whose goal is to help every teen driver make it home safe. They achieve this by helping parents and caregivers become more involved in the driver education process so that they can help coach their teens to become safer drivers. Car crashes are the number one cause of preventable death for teens but the more involved parents and caregivers are as their teens learn to drive, the safer they’ll be.
National School Bus Safety Week (Oct. 19–23): Highlighting student loading/unloading safety, school zone speed enforcement and motorist compliance with school bus stop-arm laws. Campaign resources are available at: Traffic Safety Marketing School Bus Safety Hub.
Halloween Impaired Driving Prevention (Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving / Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over): Encouraging drivers to plan ahead and designate a sober driver before attending Halloween celebrations. More information is available at Traffic Safety Marketing Drunk Driving Hub.
| | 34th Annual Biketoberfest is October 15-18 | | On October 15-18, 2026, motorcycle riders come to Volusia and Flagler Counties for Biketoberfest. It is imperative drivers that look twice before changing lanes and riders make sure they are visible and wearing helmets before heading out on the road. Florida has consistently ranked among the top states in the nation for motorcycle crashes, resulting in over 600 fatalities and more than 8,000 injuries as of 2024, reported by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). More information on Biketoberfest is available at www.biketoberfest.org. | |
Florida Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP)
The 2026 Florida Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) establishes a statewide framework for eliminating traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries on Florida’s roadways. It identifies key safety priorities and focuses on significant investments made to improve safety for everyone who travels in Florida.
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Developed as part of the Florida Transportation Plan (FTP) Implementation Element to support a coordinated and comprehensive approach to transportation safety, the SHSP is also informed by and aligned with Florida’s Triennial Highway Safety Plan (3HSP), the Florida State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), and other key policy documents.
As a data-driven, five-year plan, the SHSP outlines Florida’s path toward achieving the goal of zero traffic-related fatalities. The plan focuses on 11 Emphasis Areas that guide statewide safety efforts, including:
- Lane Departures
- Intersections
- Pedestrians & Bicyclists
- Aging Road Users
- Motorcycle & Moped Users
- Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators
- Teen Drivers
- Impaired Driving
- Occupant Protection
- Speeding & Aggressive Driving
- Distracted Driving
In addition, the following six Special Emphasis Areas highlight emerging and critical concerns: Rail Grade Crossings, Work Zones, Roadside Deaths, Animal Strikes, School Children, and Evolving Transportation Modes.
The SHSP embraces the Safe System approach, recognizing that while crashes may occur, they should not result in serious injury or loss of life. This approach prioritizes safer people, safer vehicles, safer speeds, safer roads, and effective post-crash care. Simultaneously, the SHSP reflects a commitment to continuous improvement, involving innovative solutions, safety policies, and emerging technologies to address evolving safety challenges. Through a combination of education, outreach, and enforcement, the plan also works to reduce the risky behaviors that contribute to crashes in the first place, helping create a safer transportation system for everyone.
By addressing roads, people, and behavior, the SHSP provides a strategic approach to improve safety outcomes across Florida while reminding everyone that Target Zero is a shared responsibility.
For more information, click here.
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VoTran Transit Development Plan (TDP) &
Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan (TDSP)
Major Updates Request for Input
VoTran is in the process of updating its Transit Development Plan (TDP) and Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan (TDSP). Numerous outreach events are planned over the next year as these two plans are developed. To learn more about the TDP & TDSP process, get more information on the outreach activities go to the Virtual Meeting Room or share your thoughts by taking the 2036 Transit Needs Survey.
| | Safe Routes Partnerships'
Safe Routes to School
Making Strides: 2026 State Report Cards | | |
The Making Strides: 2026 State Report Cards show how each state is supporting walking, biking, and Safe Routes to School through policy, funding, and practice. These report cards provide a snapshot of where states are making progress, where gaps remain, and where there are opportunities to further support walking, biking, rolling, and Safe Routes to School. They are intended to support learning and encourage community conversations about how to better support walking, biking, and rolling. Each state is scored across four core topic areas representing different ways state government can support walking, biking, rolling, physical activity, and Safe Routes to School.
You can use this tool to explore Florida and other states to better understand the policies and investments that can encourage physical activity and help create healthier communities.
Click here to access the Report Cards
| | Port Orange Regional Library How-To Festival | |
On Saturday, September 12th, the TPO participated in the Port Orange Regional
Library's annual How-To Festival. Pamela Blankenship, TPO Community Outreach Coordinator, gave a presentation on being Street Smart: Walking, Biking, Scootering, and Driving Safely. This was followed by speaking about being safe while out to more than 120 attendees who came by the TPO's table. Staff was joined by Port Orange Vice Mayor Tracy Grubbs and Daytona Beach Shores Commissioner Chris Conomos. Attendees also received TPO safety items such as bike lights and reflective vests and backpacks. These "How-To" events were held at many of Volusia County's libraries.
| | | Volusia County Association for Responsible Development (VCARD) Icebreaker | | On Thursday, September 17th, the Volusia-Flagler TPO hosted a table at the annual VCARD Icebreaker. This event, held at the LPGA Clubhouse in Daytona Beach, brings together local government officials, industry experts, and community leaders to share ideas and build valuable connections. Staff discussed the purpose of the Volusia-Flagler TPO and how it fits into the transportation process and community. Nearly 200 people attended the event. | | |
October Outreach Events
🦯 White Cane Awareness Day
On Thursday, October 15, the TPO will be joining the Career, Technology and Training Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired for the annual White Cane Awareness Day. The event will be held from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm at 408 White Street in Daytona Beach. This is an annual event to educate motorists in our community about the White Cane Pedestrian Law. By joint resolution on October 1964, the Congress authorized October 15 of each year as “White Cane Safety Day,” which is recognized today as “Blind Americans Equality Day,” to honor the contributions of blind and low-vision Americans. This event includes an intersection crossing while the pedestrian is blindfolded and led by a guide. The Daytona Beach Police Department will be assisting with safety and enforcement. In addition to White Cane Awareness Day, the Division of Blind Services will be celebrating their 85th anniversary. More information is available on the Volusia-Flagler TPO website.
🚴🏼♀️ Pierson Public Library Presentation & Helmet Fitting
On Wednesday, October 21, the TPO will be presenting on bicycle safety practices and fitting kids for new bicycle helmets at the Pierson Library from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm. This is geared toward younger children and their parents. Click here for more information.
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* Volusia-Flagler TPO Conference Room, 1540 Cornerstone Blvd., Suite 240, Daytona Beach
** VoTran Conference Room, 950 Big Tree Rd., South Daytona
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Volusia-Flagler 2050:
Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)
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Your Volusia-Flagler 2050
Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)
On September 17, 2025, the Volusia-Flagler TPO Board adopted the 2050 LRTP. This plan outlines the region’s vision for the future of transportation —including roadway, transit, and bicycle and pedestrian improvements—through the year 2050. The Cost Feasible Plan Element of the LRTP prioritizes the transportation projects that can be funded based on projected available resources.
The Volusia-Flagler 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan:
- Identifies future needs and improvements for pedestrian, bicycle, transit, highway, and freight mobility
- Guides the expenditure of transportation funds
- Ensures new transportation improvements meet community values
- Prioritizes transportation projects
- Promotes safe and efficient transportation services
🔗The adopted 2050 LRTP, Cost Feasible Plan Element, and appendices are available at the following link: 2050 LRTP
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Vision Zero Action Plan
Even though we have adopted our Vision Zero Action Plan (VZAP), that doesn't mean we are finished! We are strongly committed to eliminating traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries in our community by 2050.
To keep you informed and involved, we have launched an interactive StoryMap — a dynamic tool you can access anytime. Here’s what you’ll find on the StoryMap:
✅ Progress updates
📊 Key performance metrics
🏗 Project milestones
🔎Opportunities for improvement
Our Goal? A safer, more sustainable transportation future for everyone with zero fatalities and serious injuries on our roads.
Your voice and your eyes on this process matter—transparency and collaboration are how we get to zero! Take a look, explore the data, and be a part of what we are doing: StoryMap Link
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Vision Zero is based on the idea that traffic fatalities and serious injuries are preventable, and the only acceptable number of traffic fatalities and serious injuries is zero. Vision Zero requires a fundamental change in how we think about traffic safety and planning. To view the TPO's Vision Zero Action Plan, click the link below:
Vision Zero Action Plan
| | TPO Office Location and Contact Information | | The Volusia-Flagler TPO office is located in the Cornerstone Office Park, located at the southwest corner of LPGA Boulevard and Williamson Boulevard. We are on the second floor of the 1540 Cornerstone building. All TPO Board and advisory committee meetings are held in the conference room at the TPO office (with the exception of the TDLCB, which meets at VoTran). | | TPO Board and Advisory Committee Activities | | Information on TPO Board and advisory committee agendas and meeting locations is available on the TPO website at VFTPO.org, and information on the TPO's community outreach/activities can be viewed at TPO Outreach & Activities. | | | | |
