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Published on Friday, May 23, 2003
in the Florida Times Union
Anyone planning a road trip this Memorial Day weekend can expect a lot of company.
About 1.54 million Florida residents are expected to drive over the holiday weekend, about 12,000 more than last year, according to AAA Auto Club South.
"While the statistical projections call for a modest uptick, more robust travel activity would not be a complete surprise, given the increased activity we've already seen in recent weeks at our branch offices," said Kevin Bakewell, spokesman for AAA Auto Club South.
AAA estimates about 35 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday weekend, up slightly from last year. About 29.4 million of those people will drive to their destinations, according to AAA.
Officials said Jacksonville International Airport also will be busy this weekend. Airline passengers should expect random vehicle inspections as they approach the terminals, said Michelle Branham, spokeswoman for the Jacksonville Airport Authority.
But many airlines have reduced the number of available flights and many families traveling less than 300 miles would rather drive, said Gregg Laskoski, spokesman for AAA Auto Club South.
Motorists should be aware of ongoing construction, sobriety checkpoints and strong safety belt enforcement through the Click It or Ticket campaign that began Monday and continues through June 1.
Construction work along Interstate 95 throughout St. Johns County will be limited this weekend. But motorists should still be cautious because of lane shifts, minimal road shoulder and construction equipment along the road, said Mike Goldman, spokesman for the Florida Department of Transportation.
Roadside sobriety checkpoints will be conducted across the state, including one tomorrow night in Atlantic Beach, said Lt. Bill Leeper of the Florida Highway Patrol.
Of the 30 people killed statewide in crashes over the Memorial Day weekend last year, 24 percent were involved in alcohol-related accidents. In addition, 63 percent of the people killed were not wearing seat belts, Leeper said.
Florida law requires motorists wear a seat belt, but it is a secondary violation. Motorists can't be pulled over just for not wearing a seat belt but will be given a citation for breaking that law if they're pulled over for some other reason, Leeper said.
Motorists over the weekend are encouraged to obey the speed limits, particularly in construction areas where the fines are doubled, not to drink and drive and to limit distractions such as talking on cell phones, eating and reading maps while driving, Leeper said.
Memorial Day weekend is expected to launch a healthy summer travel season nationwide, travel officials said.
"Many people who were thinking about traveling at the beginning of the year put their plans on hold because of uncertainty about the situation in Iraq," Laskowski said. "With that apparently being resolved, people are much more inclined to act on their intentions. They want to travel and enjoy time with their family and friends."