FHP Steps Up Thanksgiving Weekend Enforcement
TALLAHASSEE (CBS4) - If you're traveling on Florida's roadways over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, you won't be alone. That's because the Florida Highway Patrol is increasing its presence over the long five day holiday period.
The Thanksgiving holiday is a peak travel period, but far too often the holiday celebration turns to tragedy because of failure to drive carefully and wear seat belts. That's why troopers who are normally assigned to administrative duties have been reassigned to patrol duties on high volume roadways. In addition, Auxiliary and Reserve troopers have also volunteered to assist during the heightened holiday enforcement period.
"During this hectic time, it is easy to lose your temper while driving as evidenced by recent incidents of road rage. Our troopers are prepared to take immediate action to stop others from placing innocent lives at risk, whether the weapon is a gun or a vehicle," said FHP Director, Colonel John Czernis.
Troopers will focus on impaired driving, speeding, following too closely and other forms of aggressive driving, as well as seat belt and child restraint enforcement.
To make the drive safer for everyone, the FHP suggests getting some sleep before setting out on a long trip, mind the speed limits, allow for plenty of time to reach your destination and eliminate distractions; keep talking on a cell phone to a minimum and no texting.
They also remind all drivers of Florida's Move Over Law which requires motorists to move over when a patrol car, emergency vehicle or tow truck/wrecker is stopped on the side of the road with lights flashing. Motorists are required to change lanes away from emergency vehicles if able to or slow to 20 mph hour below the posted limit if they cannot safely change lanes.
Anyone who spots a driver who appears to be intoxicated or driving in an aggressive manner is urged to call the FHP (*347).
Motorists who get weary while on the Florida Turnpike during the holiday weekend can take advantage of a free coffee offer at the restaurants or gas station of any of the turnpike's service plazas.
The turnpike's "Free Coffee Safety Breaks" will be operational during the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year Holiday.
During the Thanksgiving weekend the complimentary coffee was offered from 11p.m. Wednesday until 6:00 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 25th. It'll be offered again starting 11 p.m. Sunday Nov. 28th until 6 a.m. Monday Nov. 29th.
The restaurants at the Pompano Beach Service Plaza are closed for renovation; however coffee is available at the Shell station at the plaza.
