Florida Turnpike Officials Offer Thanksgiving Driving Safety Guidelines for Motorists to Avoid Holiday Car Accidents
If you live in South Florida and have family in the Sunshine State, chances are you'll be traveling by car this Thanksgiving week. From the Florida Panhandle all the way down through Broward County to Miami-Dade, Florida highways will experience the heaviest traffic of the year. More traffic volume -- combined with holiday parties and alcohol consumption -- means greater risk for motor vehicle accidents on Interstate 95 and other main Florida highways.
To avoid Florida I-95 driving hazards and motor vehicle accidents this Thanksgiving, many drivers will be looking for alternate, secondary routes and venturing onto Florida's system of turnpikes. Florida Gov. Charlie Crist and officials at Florida's Turnpike Enterprise issued the following Thanksgiving turnpike traveling guidelines to help keep Florida drivers safe:
- Before leaving home, check real-time traffic updates via the new Florida 511 Traveler Information System.
- Check your tire pressure! Improperly inflated tires and defective or aged tires can lead to serious and fatal Florida car accidents.
- Don't drive drowsy! Stay alert and stop for a free cup of coffee the day before Thanksgiving at a number of driver Coffee Safety Break stops on Florida Turnpikes.
- Florida turnpike construction will be suspended during the heaviest Thanksgiving travel times. Highway construction accidents can occur when harried motorists come upon unexpected lane changes, obstacles, and construction vehicles and workers in the road or on the highway shoulder.
Miami car accident injury lawyers consult with families when, despite their best efforts to keep safe on Florida turnpikes and highways -- the unthinkable happens and an automobile accident with injury or fatality occurs.
The best defenses to avoid car accidents include checking the road worthiness of your auto and tires before you leave home; using your seat belts (Florida participates in the Click-It or Ticket campaign); driving defensively; not using cell phones or texting while driving; and of course, avoiding alcohol consumption before you hit the road.
Florida Highway Patrol will be out in force, with roadside assistance from the State Farm Safety Patrol. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
Motorist Safety Breaks and Extended State Farm Safety Patrols (PDF)
On Florida’s Turnpike during Upcoming Holiday Season Peak Travel Days
Florida's Turnpike Enterprise News Release Nov. 20, 2010
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