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Published on Thursday, November 25, 2004
in the Fernandino Beach News Leader
The Nassau County Com-munity Traffic Safety Team and local law enforcement agencies remind all motorists to "Celebrate Safely Nassau" and expect a significant increase in traffic along Florida's roadways during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
According to traffic team chairman and Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Bill Leeper, the heavier traffic can be expected today through midnight Sunday.
Even though the traditional holiday period is Thursday through Sunday, many people will be traveling today to visit family and friends, he said. All personnel normally assigned to administrative duties will be reassigned to patrol duties on high volume roadways throughout the five-day holiday, said Leeper.
The Nassau County Sheriff's Office, Fernandina Beach Police Department and Florida Department of Transportation also are taking part in "Celebrate Safely Nassau."
"The increased visibility of troopers, sheriff's deputies and city police officers during holiday periods is of immeasurable benefit to the motoring public," Leeper said.
Law enforcement officers still need the public's help to reduce fatalities and personal injury collisions, he said.
"We ask motorists not to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol and not to drive tired or drowsy.
It is important that motorists take responsibility for their own driving habits and actions and obey all traffic laws. Law enforcement officers will be out in force watching for those drivers who choose to break laws by driving in ways that endanger themselves and others," said Leeper.
Of the 11,000 traffic-related citations issued statewide by troopers last Thanksgiving, 8,744 drivers were cited for speeding, 2,080 for safety belt and child restraint violations and 123 were arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Troopers also provided roadside assistance to more than 4,000 motorists.
During the same holiday period, 48 people were killed in 47 crashes. "Seventy-two percent of those drivers and passengers who were killed in vehicles equipped with safety belts were not using them, and 29 percent of the deaths were alcohol-related," he said.
As a result, officers will concentrate their enforcement efforts on impaired driving, speeding, aggressive driving and those who fail to buckle up or restrain their child passengers, said Leeper.
He urges motorists to contact the FHP or other law enforcement officials to report impaired, aggressive or dangerous drivers.
To reach the Florida Highway Patrol, dial *FHP (*347) from a cellular phone. Callers may remain anonymous.
Motorists who experience car trouble on the highway or need help also may use *FHP. Call 911 for medical emergencies. For real-time traffic and road condition reports, as well as maps and safety tips, visit www.flhsmv.gov/fhp.