With more than 2.5 million Floridians hitting the road this week for Thanksgiving, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is planning to be active.
The FHP called on travelers to buckle up, eliminate distractions and never drive impaired. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) called on motorists to maintain a road-ready vehicle and register Emergency Contact Information (ECI) ahead of holiday travels.
“As you prepare to spend Thanksgiving with your loved ones, remember there are FHP troopers and law enforcement officers statewide spending the holiday working to keep Florida’s roadways safe,” said FLHSMV Executive Director Terry Rhodes. “Do your part by always buckling up and never driving impaired.”
In 2018, preliminarily, there were 9,896 crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period, with 79 resulting fatalities. According to AAA and the Auto Club Group, 2.6 million Floridians are forecast to be driving during the Thanksgiving holiday, leading to higher volumes of traffic on roadways.
“From November 25 to 29 all available FHP troopers, along with FHP reserve and auxiliary members, will be patrolling the roads to help ensure safe travel,” the FHP noted.
“The Florida Highway Patrol is committed to keeping Florida’s roadways safe and ensuring motorists and their families Arrive Alive,” said Colonel Gene Spaulding, the director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “Celebrate responsibly and never drive impaired, eliminate distractions and get plenty of rest before you drive this holiday season.”
Florida drivers should also be aware that the state is doing more against texting and driving.
“This Thanksgiving, motorists are also reminded to obey all speed limits and adjust speed accordingly as traffic congestion and weather conditions may require driving more slowly. Check traffic conditions before leaving for a trip and allow sufficient time to arrive at your destination safely. FLHSMV reminds motorists to always keep their eyes on the road, hands on the wheel and mind on driving. On July 1, 2019, using wireless communications while driving became a primary driving offense and Florida motorists can now be stopped and cited for texting and driving. The Wireless Communications While Driving Law will go into full effect on January 1, in which a motorist may be stopped and cited for using a wireless communications device while driving and/or failing to use a device hands-free in a school zone, school crossing or active work zone,” the FHLSMV noted.
Author
