Florida Driver's Handbook 2010

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Introduction

• Disclaimer
• Public Records
• Warning
• Emergency Contact Information
• Definitions

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Emergency Contact Information

In an emergency situation could law enforcement personnel contact someone for you?

They could if you had entered your information onto the emergency contact information system. The system allows Floridians to voluntarily provide emergency contact information online, giving law enforcement immediate access to this information and making it easier for them to speak with someone quicker in case of emergency.

If you have a Florida driver license or identification card, you can go online at www.flhsmv.gov and enter your emergency contact information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was this system developed?
Christine Olson's daughter Tiffany was fatally injured in a traffic accident in 2005. There was no emergency contact system in place and several hours passed before Ms. Olson was notified of her daughter's passing. Wanting to help others avoid this experience, Ms. Olson approached her Legislator, Representative Bill Galvano, and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The result is an emergency contact information system.

Who will have access to my information?
Only law enforcement personnel will have access to your emergency contact information.

Where is this information stored?
The information is stored in the Driver and Vehicle Information Database (D.A.V.I.D) system which is a secured database used by most law enforcement agencies in the state of Florida.

Will my contact information be used for any other purpose?
No, this information will only be used by law enforcement officers to notify designated contacts if a motorist is seriously injured or killed in a traffic crash.

Where do I enter my information?
You can go online and enter your information at www.flhsmv.gov or whenever conducting any business at a driver license office. There are also links to this site if you are conducting business with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles online such as renewing your driver license, changing the address on your license or renewing your vehicle license plate.

Florida's Move Over Law

• Protects law enforcement officers, emergency workers, and tow truck drivers stopped along roadways while performing their jobs;
• Requires motorists to move over when a patrol car, emergency vehicle, or tow truck/wrecker is stopped on the side of the road with lights flashing. If such movement cannot be safely accomplished, motorists shall slow down to a speed of 20 mph below the posted speed limit.

Motorists are required to:

• Approach the emergency vehicle with caution;
• Change lanes away from the emergency veicle IF traveling on a multi-lane roadway AND able to move over safely; or
• Slow down while maintaining a safe speed of 20 mph below posted speed limit being careful NOT to Impede or block the flow of traffic unless otherwise directed by law enforcement officer.

Violators of the Move Over Law will be issued a citation!

For more information, please visitwww.flhsmv.gov/fhp

Specific provisions of the Move Over Law can be reviewed under Section 316.126(1)(b), Florida Statutes. Available online at www.leg.state.fl.us

Florida Department of Transportation's Free 511 Traffic Information Service

The Florida Department of Transportation's free 511 Traffic Information Service provides bilingual (English and Spanish) real-time traffic information on all interstate highways, many major metropolitan roadways and Florida's Turnpike. The service is available on the phone by dialing 511, or on the Web at www.FL511.com

511 Features:

• Traffic information and travel times on Florida interstates, Florida's Turnpike and other major roadways
• Voice-activated or touch-tone navigation
• Travel updates, including accidents, lane closures, severe weather and construction
• Public safety alerts and emergency evacuation information
• Access to public transit, airport and seaport information
• Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Cell phone or landline use; standard cell phone minutes may apply
• Traffic cameras and customized services on www.FL511.com; users can register for customized trips and email, text and phone alerts

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