Published on Friday, June 30, 2006
in the Palm Beach Post

We'll be watching, FHP warns drivers

With Independence Day falling on Tuesday this year, police are expecting many people will be taking an extra-long weekend to celebrate.

That's why, beginning today, they'll be turning up the heat on area roadways.

Summer HEAT, or Heavy Enforcement of All Traffic, is the name of the Florida Highway Patrol's crackdown during the long Fourth of July travel period.

Every available trooper, including those who normally work administrative duties, along with county sheriff's deputies and city police will be out in force, looking for speeders, drunk drivers and, especially, aggressive drivers.

The FHP's airplane will be tracking drivers along Interstate 95.

"It's going to be a busy weekend," FHP Lt. Tim Frith said Thursday.

According to AAA, an estimated 40.3 million people throughout the country will travel 50 miles or more from home over the five-day holiday, a 2.8 percent increase from 2005.

During last year's four-day holiday, 31 people were killed in traffic crashes in Florida. Seventeen, or 55 percent, or those who died were not wearing seat belts, and 42 percent of the fatal crashes were alcohol-related.

Getting people to buckle up is the most effective way of saving lives on the highway, FHP Col. Christopher Knight said. That's why police will have zero tolerance for those who are not buckled up.

The chances of getting caught speeding on I-95 are better now than in the past. Sheriff's deputies in unmarked cars are patrolling the interstate, particularly the 10-lane sections in southern Palm Beach County, where speeding is more prevalent.

Drivers who speed and drive drunk need to realize that they are endangering others, not just themselves, said Angela Evans, the state Department of Transportation's district traffic safety manager.

"If you're not worried about your life, just remember that your actions and behavior could injure or kill someone else," Evans said.

Motorists can report dangerous drivers by calling *FHP on their cellphone. They also can use this number if they have car trouble or need assistance.

To avoid driving delays, travelers can call the 511 hot line for updates on traffic jams and lane closures on Florida's interstates as well as updates on severe weather.