Crime & Safety

FHP to Be Out in Full Force for Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend; Thousands Cited Last Year

The following is a press release from the Florida Highway Patrol: 


Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends to spend time together and give thanks for the blessings they enjoy.  It is also one of the busiest travel periods of the year.  To help ensure motorists make it to their destinations safely, the Florida Highway Patrol will increase its presence on Florida’s roads throughout the four day holiday weekend starting Nov. 28.  

FHP, with the help of its auxiliary and reserve troopers, will be participating in the nationwide effort known as Operation CARE (Combined Accident Reduction Effort).  This year’s Operation CARE will focus on impaired driving, speeding, following too closely and other aggressive diving behaviors during the holiday weekend.  Troopers will also conduct strict enforcement of safety belt and child restraint laws.

“The Patrol wishes everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday,” said Col. David Brierton, director of the Florida Highway Patrol.  “In an effort to keep motorists safe, troopers will be concentrating their enforcement efforts on impaired driving, unlawful speed, aggressive driving, and those who fail to buckle up.”

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During last year's Thanksgiving holiday period, FHP troopers issued more than 9,300 citations for traffic related violations. Of those, 4,039 drivers were cited for speeding, 657 for safety belt violations, and 145 drivers were arrested for Driving Under the Influence. FHP troopers also provided roadside assistance to more than 2,300 motorists.   

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FHP offers the following tips to help you and your family arrive at your destination safely:

  • Buckle up…every time.  A seatbelt is your vehicle’s most important safety feature.
  • Obey all speed limits, bearing in mind that traffic congestion may require driving more slowly.
  • Drive sober and remember, buzzed driving is drunk driving.
  • Don’t drive distracted: Anything that takes your full attention off of the road, even for a second, could be deadly. This includes texting, changing the radio station, talking to passengers, etc.
  • Get plenty of rest before setting out on a long trip.

 

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles provides highway safety and security through excellence in service, education and enforcement. The Department is leading the way to a safer Florida through the efficient and professional execution of its core mission: the issuance of driver licenses, vehicle tags and titles and operation of the Florida Highway Patrol. To learn more about DHSMV and the services offered, visit www.flhsmv.gov, follow us on YouTube at FLHSMV, Instagram at FLHSMV, Twitter @FLHSMV or find us on Facebook


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