FHP increases enforcement for Thanksgiving travel period

FHP increases enforcement for Thanksgiving travel period

Efforts aim to reduce the number of crashes caused by holiday travel

TALLAHASSEE/November 26, 2008 – The Thanksgiving holiday is a peak travel period for families joining together, but far too often the holiday celebration turns to tragedy because of failure to drive carefully and wear seatbelts. Since Thanksgiving always produces a high volume of traffic, the Florida Highway Patrol will increase its presence on Florida roadways during the upcoming five-day holiday period. All sworn personnel on the patrol normally assigned to administrative duties will be reassigned to patrol duties on high volume roadways. In addition, Auxiliary and Reserve troopers will volunteer to assist regular troopers during the heightened holiday enforcement period.

"The Thanksgiving holidays are typically times of heavy traffic as people travel to spend time with their families, so we urge everyone driving on our highways during the holiday period to drive carefully," said Colonel John Czernis, director of the Florida Highway Patrol. "Allow yourself plenty of time to reach your destination safely, drive sober and buckle up on each and every trip. The holidays are a time for celebration, but we cannot forget safety behind the wheel."

The Florida Highway Patrol reminds motorists of Florida’s Move Over Law. The law 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. Motorists are required to change lanes away from authorized emergency vehicles if able to move over safely or slow down while maintaining a safe speed. Violators of the Move Over law will be issued a citation.

Motorists are encouraged to use their cellular telephones safely. FHP urges all drivers to call *FHP (*347) to report drunk or aggressive drivers. They can also use this number if their vehicle breaks down or they need assistance. Motorists needing immediate emergency services should dial 911.

The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles encourages anyone with a valid Florida driver license or identification card to go online to www.flhsmv.gov and enter their emergency contact information. This vital information gives law enforcement immediate access to this information in cases of an emergency, which makes it easier for them to contact a family member or friend.