Safe Driving Awareness Month: A Commitment to a Safer Lee Roy Selmon Expressway

September is Safe Driving Awareness Month. At the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA), safety is our top priority, and we believe the safety of our roads is a shared responsibility. Every driver plays a crucial role in preventing accidents and saving lives on the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway and our other managed roadways.

This month, we are encouraging a renewed commitment to safe driving habits. Here are four key areas to focus on this September and beyond.

Eliminate Distractions: Your Focus is Your First Line of Defense

In a time of constant connectivity, distracted driving has become one of the most significant threats on our roads. A quick look at a text message or a brief moment spent adjusting your navigation system can have catastrophic consequences. When you’re driving, your full attention should be on the road ahead and the cars around you. Put your phone away, set your radio or podcast before you start your drive, and save that coffee for a moment when you’re not behind the wheel. The journey is more important than the distraction.

Share the Road with Pedestrians

In our urban community, sharing the road isn’t just about other vehicles. Pedestrians, cyclists, and runners are also present, especially in and around our downtown and neighborhood streets. Always be prepared to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and be extra observant in high-traffic areas. Make eye contact to ensure they see you and you see them. Your awareness and caution in these moments can prevent serious accidents and save lives.

Navigate Work Zones with Caution

As we continue to invest in improving our infrastructure, you will encounter work zones on and around our roadways. These areas are not just construction sites; they are workplaces where men and women are building a better transportation network for our community. When you see orange cones, signs, or workers, please slow down, obey posted speed limits, and eliminate all distractions. A moment of inattention in a work zone can be the difference between a safe passage and a tragic accident.

A Simple Choice Can Save a Life

Impaired driving, whether from alcohol, drugs, or even certain prescription medications, has no place on our roads. This simple truth is one we must never forget. There is no excuse for getting behind the wheel when you are not in a condition to operate a vehicle safely. If your plans include consuming alcohol, please plan ahead. Use a rideshare service, call a friend, or designate a sober driver. That one simple choice can save not only your life but the lives of everyone else on the road.

The commitment to safe driving extends far beyond September. It is a daily practice and a collective responsibility. At THEA, we are dedicated to providing a safe and efficient transportation network, and we ask you to join us in this mission.

Let’s make this September a month defined by our shared commitment to safety. Together, we can make our roads safer for every driver, passenger, and pedestrian. Join the conversation and share your commitment to safety using the hashtag #SelmonSafe on social media.