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Published on Wednesday, November 23, 2004
in the Ocala Star-Banner
Two million people in Florida are expected to hit the roadways for the Thanksgiving holiday and 400,000 more people are expected to travel by plane, bus or train, according a AAA Auto Club South press release.
With a 3.1 percent nationwide increase in holiday travel expected over last year, officials urge people to take precautions when hitting the road.
"Patience is a virtue this time of year," said Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Terry Cope of Jacksonville. "Thanksgiving is probably the worst holiday for travel since I've been on patrol."
Travelers should remember to give themselves ample time to get to their destination, check their vehicle for mechanical problems and make sure to have a back-up route in case you have to turn around, Cope explained.
Among the biggest problems law enforcement faces during the holiday are careless driving, speeding, driving while intoxicated and car troubles.
During the 2003 Thanksgiving holiday, FHP responded to 49 traffic deaths statewide. Seventeen deaths were attributed to careless driving, while alcohol use claimed 14 lives.
Meanwhile, drivers complain gas prices, which are an average of 50 cents more than Thanksgiving 2003, are hitting pocketbooks hard this year.
"I almost can't afford it," said Florida State University student Zach Gilbert, 20. "Gas prices suck. They make we want to not travel."
The sophomore was pumping gas at Racetrac on State Road 200 in Ocala, near Interstate 75, before heading back to Tallahassee, where he will attend class today before heading back to Leesburg on Wednesday to spend the holiday with his family.
Wet roads may also create a risky environment for drivers.
The National Weather Service predicts hazardous weather in the north central Florida and southeast regions through the holiday season, including scattered thunderstorms and heavy fog.