Published on Thursday, July 5, 2007
in the Leesburg Daily Commercial

Police buckled up for holiday

LEESBURG - Watch out for the long arm of the law as Florida Highway troopers come out in force for the holiday.

Troopers will conduct enforcement patrols through Sunday. FHP's Director Col. Chris Knight has suspended office operations for sworn personnel and reassigned them to patrol duties in anticipation of the heavy traffic. The officers will assist regular troopers, patrolling interstate highways and other major roads, authorities said.

FHP is increasing its presence to assist motorists and deter violators, according to FHP Sgt. Jorge Delahoz.

Forty-eight people were killed last year during this long weekend and 59 percent of those were not wearing their seat belt. Lake and Sumter counties have had 40 traffic fatalities so far this year, compared with 51 at same time last year.

Nationally, more than half of adults and children killed in traffic crashes are not buckled up, according to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Studies show that most adults who don't use seat belts don't require their children to buckle either.

"Central Florida is going to be a big destination this weekend," Delahoz said. "If you have to stop on the side of the road, make sure you pull clear off the road."

A family of three was already killed this week in Brevard County by a careless driver who slammed into the back of them while passing in the emergency lane. The family had pulled off the road after being separated from the car following them.

FHP has asked motorists who spot aggressive drivers to make reports. Drivers may call *FHP on their cell phones to report drivers or if they need help. Real-time traffic updates and safety tips are available on FHP's Web site www.flhsmv.gov/fhp. Updates on road conditions are also available by calling 511 from a cell phone.

Delahoz said it is important to stay alert all the times.

"You have to worry about other drivers, be aware of what they are doing and give yourself enough reaction time," he said.

Make sure your vehicle is road-worthy, especially in the heat, Delahoz said.

Road Rangers who assist motorists with disabled vehicles will be on the road 24 hours a day this weekend, authorities said. Drivers may listen to emergency updates on 1640 AM and may call 511 for regional traffic information.