Tampa – Many Floridians are not aware of the basic laws of pedestrian safety. Many motorists do not fully understand the rights of pedestrians and bicyclists. In an effort to educate all parties and lower the number of pedestrians and bicyclists injured and killed, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has launched a new pedestrian and bicycle safety campaign called See the Blind Spots. The campaign will feature television, radio, print, outdoor and a website http://www.seetheblindspots.com/

 The See the Blind Spots website features safety tips for bicyclists and pedestrians, crash data, and a section where members of the public can upload personal stories about pedestrian or bicyclist crashes that can be shared with the community.

“The goal of this initiative is to reduce pedestrian fatalities in the Tampa Bay area by 20% before the year 2015,” said District Seven Secretary Don Skelton. “We are launching this bold campaign to reduce the number of pedestrian and bicyclist deaths by bringing awareness to both the driver and the pedestrian and bicyclist.”

 The See the Blindspots campaign uses images such as trains, tanks, elephants and other wild animals in a manner to get motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists to see cars differently and watch out for each other.  The FDOT is encouraging everyone to open their eyes and See the Blindspots.