Published on Tuesday, July 3, 2007
in the Ft. Myers News-Press

FHP: Holiday can be deadly for drivers

Tallahassee – Law enforcement officials expect traffic volume to increase during the 4th of July holiday period and are warning drivers of the increased dangers.

“Sadly, holiday weekends are often deadly for our motorists. The Department urges all motorists to be careful, obey traffic laws, drive responsibly – and buckle up,” stated Electra Bustle, executive director for the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Florida Highway Patrol troopers will be conducting enforcement patrols during the July 4th holiday, which begins at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday and ends at midnight, Sunday, stated Colonel Chris Knight, director of the Florida Highway Patrol.

Uniformed FHP personnel, normally assigned to administrative duties in the office, will be assisting regular troopers by patrolling interstates and other major state roads throughout the six-day holiday period.

This strategy is intended to increase the Patrol's presence on major arteries throughout Florida in an effort to deter traffic violators and to provide enhanced service to motorists who break down while traveling or need other types of assistance.

In 2006, during the 120-hour holiday period, 48 people were killed in traffic crashes in Florida: 59 percent of those drivers and passengers who were killed in vehicles normally equipped with safety belts were not using them; also, 55 percent of the fatal traffic crashes were alcohol-related.

Troopers will be concentrating their enforcement efforts on impaired, speeding and aggressive drivers, and those who fail to buckle up or properly restrain their child passengers.

Florida’s statistics are clear -- getting people buckled up is the single most effective thing that can be done to save lives.

Studies have also shown that most adults who don’t buckle up themselves don’t buckle up their children.

Nationally, more than half of all adults who die in traffic crashes are not buckled up, and six out of 10 children who are killed in crashes are unrestrained.

Motorists are urged to contact the FHP or local law enforcement agencies to report an impaired, aggressive or dangerous driver. To reach the FHP, dial *FHP (*347) from a cellular phone.

Callers can remain anonymous. Motorists who experience car trouble on the highway or otherwise need assistance from the FHP are also encouraged to use *FHP.

Florida drivers can also call 511 on their cell phone for up-to-the minute updates on traffic jams, road construction, lane closures, severe weather and travel times on Interstates and major highways.

The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles encourages anyone with a valid Florida driver license or identification card to go online to www.flhsmv.gov and enter their emergency contact information.

This vital information gives law enforcement immediate access to this information and makes it easier for them to speak with someone quicker in cases of emergency.