Millions of drivers are hitting Florida highways this summer for road trips, the FIFA World Cup, and America’s 250th birthday. To keep the roads safe during the rush, state law enforcement agencies are stepping up their patrols.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Florida Highway Patrol officially kicked off their “Arrive Alive” campaign this week. The statewide effort runs from June 1 through July 31.
Historical crash data reveals something surprising about the summer travel season: June and July are actually the safest months on Florida roads. Looking at reports between January 2022 and April 2026, these two months accounted for just 15% of annual crashes and 14% of yearly traffic deaths.
However, law enforcement officials warn that fewer crashes overall does not mean the danger is entirely gone. Drunk driving remains a persistent problem. State records show that troopers logged 1,801 impaired driving crashes in recent Junes out of more than 215,000 total accidents. In July, that number climbed to 1,930.
State troopers are promising a heavy, visible presence on the roads over the next two months to pull over impaired and reckless drivers before they cause an accident.
“We will be visible, we will be vigilant, and we will hold accountable anyone who chooses to endanger others through impaired or reckless driving,” FHP Colonel Gary Howze said.
Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue pointed out that the state’s roads will be unusually packed this year. He noted that the combination of the America250 celebrations and FIFA World Cup events will bring hundreds of thousands of extra visitors into Florida.
With that influx of traffic, FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner asked both residents and tourists to pay attention and stay sober.
“The Arrive Alive campaign reflects our unwavering commitment to the millions of people who travel Florida’s roads every single day,” Kerner said.
Local police departments and county sheriffs are also backing the two-month push. Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma, who serves as the president of the Florida Sheriffs Association, noted that summer always brings a surge of cars to local beaches, theme parks, and neighborhood cookouts.
“The message behind Arrive Alive is simple but important: one safe drive at a time,” Lemma said. “Staying patient, attentive, and responsible behind the wheel can save lives.”
Fort Walton Beach Police Chief Robert Bage echoed those thoughts. Speaking on behalf of the Florida Police Chiefs Association, he reminded the public that road safety relies on mutual respect, whether a person is driving a car, riding a motorcycle, or walking down the street.
Highway safety officials are asking all motorists to take a few basic steps before heading out to summer events. They recommend mapping out routes ahead of time, designating a sober driver, buckling up, and putting cell phones away while the car is in motion.
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