Published on Sunday, November 26, 2006
in the Central Florida News 13

Operation Safe Ride and Travel Links

Roads and highways all across Central Florida are going to be crowded again today as people return from their holiday vacation. They will not be alone; State Troopers will also be out in force today targeting people trying to get home a little too fast.

If you are planning to hit the road today, Florida Highway Patrol has a warning for you. If state troopers catch you speeding, they will give you a ticket.

Today is the fifth and final day of Operation Safe Ride.

Operation Safe Ride is an attempt by state troopers to cut down on speeding as well as aggressive driving during the 5 day Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Florida Highway Patrol says there will be double the number of troopers Sunday, and they will be staked out on busy roads such as I-4 and I-95.

We asked some drivers at a rest stop to find out if the increased presence of law enforcement would have any effect on the way that they drive.

Ann Williams, who was driving home to Cleveland said, “No, not at all. We follow the rules and the speed limits. It's fine that they're out there. I'm glad that they're out there. It's better that way. I think it makes everybody pay attention to the laws of the driving. There's no reason to be nervous about it."

Robert Douglas, who was driving home to Georgia said, "I normally try to stay within the speed limit anyway but I'm not going to incriminate myself on camera, but I think it does impact the traffic flow, and I think it's an effort worthwhile."

To demonstrate how serious Florida State Troopers are about issuing citations, last year during the 5 day Thanksgiving Holiday weekend, they issued about 9000 traffic related violations; most of them were for speeding.

Here are some tips to help you out:

• Check your tires to make sure they're properly inflated and that the tread is okay for driving.
• Check your fluids like oil, antifreeze and coolant.
• Don't neglect your wiper blades. Bad weather can be dangerous without a clear windshield.
• Take an emergency kit stocked.
• The busiest Thanksgiving travel days are Wednesday and Thursday. If you can leave before then.
• Bring some games or books to keep your kids occupied.

If your car does breaks down on the way to your Thanksgiving feast, think safety first.

People are injured and killed every day at the scene of breakdowns.

Here are some tips that could save your life:

• Pull your vehicle over to the right-hand side of the road.
• Pull off the road as far as you can to avoid oncoming traffic.
• Raise your hood and turn on your flashers to alert passing motorists that you are broken down.
• Reflective triangles or flares can also be used to bring attention to your location.
• Be alert and cautious while you wait for help. This also goes for drivers passing broken down cars.

Also, obey Florida's Move over law. The law requires drivers to change lanes or slow down to 20 miles an hour below the speed limit if law enforcement is parked on the side of the road with their lights on. The law was put in place to keep troopers and officers safe.