Florida Thanksgiving Traffic Bump Expected : Highway Patrol Out to Enforce Driving Laws
Maybe Florida drivers have become accustomed to paying more at the gas pumps. Or maybe people just want to make it home for the Thanksgiving holiday. Whatever the reason, AAA expects a 3 to 4 percent overall travel increase this Thanksgiving, in Florida and across the U.S. So if you plan to drive on Sunshine State highways and secondary roadways this Thanksgiving -- expect some company on the road with you. Including Florida Highway Patrol.
As experienced West Palm Beach car accident injury attorneys will tell you: Increased Florida holiday traffic can lead to an increase in traffic accidents. No one wants to read the news after the holiday weekend that anyone was seriously injured or lost their life while traveling on Florida roadways.
Unfortunately, a higher traffic volume on the region's highways, combined with speeding, drowsy driving, distracted driving, driving under the influence of alcohol (Florida DUI), and other dangerous driving behaviors -- can be a recipe for disaster. That's why Florida Highway Patrol will be on the scene to apprehend and ticket traffic offenders. This Thanksgiving, the FHP will be visible on higher volume Florida roadways. According to the St. Petersburg Times, troopers meant business when they patrolled Florida's roadways last Thanksgiving holiday week -- investigating 12,770 violations over a five-day period.
Florida travelers who hope to avoid the scenes of traffic crashes (which can lead to miles and hours of congestion -- especially during heavy Thanksgiving travel) are encouraged to use the Florida Department of Transportation's 511 system. According to an FDOT spokesperson, the system gets updates of motor vehicle accidents on Florida interstates.
Motorists who dial in to the FDOT 511 system get updated information about existing Florida auto accidents -- so they can avoid those routes (and the possibility of becoming involved in secondary accidents near the original crash sites). A new website app offered by the FDOT (see link to website below) uses iPhone GPS to provide motorists with updated information relevant to their locations. In addition, the 511 app allows users to view traffic cams from compatible hand-held devices.
Florida DOT offers common sense advice to get through the Thanksgiving holiday safely and avoid motor vehicle crashes: Call 511 ahead of time to get information about best route planning. Wear seat belts. Don't drink alcohol and drive. In addition, you might want to take advantage of the Florida Turnpike free coffee program, if you need a driving pick-me-up. And always drive defensively -- in Fla. or wherever you travel. Happy Thanksgiving!
Related Florida Accident Injury Attorney article:
Speed Kills on Florida Highways -- But Slow Driving in Left Lane Also a Safety Hazard, Lawmakers Say (Oct. 5, 2011)
Sources:
Florida Highway Patrol will increase traffic enforcement for Thanksgiving holiday
St. Petersburg Times Nov. 22, 2011
Avoid Thanksgiving Traffic with FDOT's 511 System
WCTV.tv Nov. 22, 2011
Florida's Turnpike serves up free coffee
Associated Press via Ocala.com Nov. 21, 2011
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