Florida Highway Patrol Ramps-up Car Truck Crash Prevention: Sleep Deprived Big Rig Drivers in Their Sights
South Florida drivers who've traversed the Sunshine State via Interstate know it can be a jungle out there. Whether you're cruising south to Miami on I-95, or navigating I-595 to get to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport -- Florida highway driving is not for the faint of heart. We share the lanes with large commercial trucks and car truck accidents are always a concern. And with good reason.
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) reports that car crashes involving large trucks are on the rise, and they don't plan to sit by idling and do nothing about it. The Florida Highway Patrol announced a statewide plan to reduce unsafe driving -- particularly the unsafe driving practices of large commercial truck drivers and bus drivers that can lead to catastrophic accidents with cars. Here's a statistic to make you slow down and take notice:
According to Florida traffic data, commercial vehicles were involved in more than 18,000 accidents causing 365 deaths last year.
Semi tractor trailer trucks and other large commercial trucks are governed by federal and state regulations that mandate not only the proper repair and maintenance of the vehicles and equipment, but how much sleep and rest the drivers get. The Florida Department of Transportation plans to look into the growing problem of truck drivers who are driving long hauls without sufficient rest and are at risk of falling asleep at the wheel.
During this safe highways operation, FHP troopers and Motor Carrier Compliance officers will be patroling the highways for unsafe truck and bus driving behaviors that can contribute to accidents. The police will be using laser, radar, video cameras, motorcycles, and unmarked patrol vehicles to nab unsafe truck and bus drivers.
Until the problem of car truck accidents is greatly reduced, we South Florida motorists had best stay alert on Florida highways.
FHP Aims to Reduce Unsafe Driving WCTV.tv Nov. 19, 2008
State Agencies Partner to Reduce Crashes Involving Large Truck and Buses Florida Highway Patrol Press Release Nov. 19, 2008
Related Web Resource
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles: Safety First Safety Tips
