FHP initiates Operation Safe Ride to detect speeding and aggressive drivers

FHP initiates Operation Safe Ride to detect speeding and aggressive drivers

Enforcement efforts look to reduce holiday season crashes

TALLAHASSEE - Col. John Czernis, director of the Florida Highway Patrol, announced today the start of a statewide traffic enforcement operation, which will focus on speeding and aggressive violations. The campaign will run Dec. 17 and 18, 2008. This operation is part of a series of long-term enforcement efforts that focus on top priority traffic safety issues to help ensure the safety and well-being of motorists on Florida’s roadways.

In an effort to provide the citizens and visitors of Florida with a safe driving environment during this period, the Florida Highway Patrol will conduct Operation Safe Ride statewide.

"The purpose of this traffic enforcement initiative is to reduce traffic-related deaths and injuries in Florida," said Czernis. "The Florida Highway Patrol will continue a zero tolerance policy toward hazardous moving violations, such as speeding and aggressive driving."

All available FHP personnel will participate in Operation Safe Ride. Unlawful speed violators will be tracked using RADAR, LASER, motorcycles and marked and unmarked patrol vehicles. Troopers piloting FHP aircraft will also be used to spot violators from the air and then direct troopers on the ground to pull them over and initiate appropriate enforcement action. Enforcement efforts will be focused on every interstate, Florida's turnpike and other major state roads in Florida where speeding and aggressive driving are prevalent.

Please remember to dial *FHP (*347) from you cell phone to contact FHP should you need to report an aggressive driver or require roadside assistance.

The Florida Highway Patrol would like to remind everyone to Move Over when approaching any authorized emergency vehicle or wrecker displaying rotating or flashing lights stopped on the side of a roadway.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is charged with the mission of providing highway safety and security through excellence in service, education and enforcement. The Department is leading the way to a Safer Florida by way of three major components: driver licenses, vehicle tags and titles and the Florida Highway Patrol. To learn more about DHSMV and the services offered, visit www.flhsmv.gov.