By Staff Report
TALLAHASSEE–
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
and its division of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) are reminding
drivers to exercise caution this Labor Day weekend to ensure all
Floridians Arrive Alive.
Labor
Day weekend is a common signal to many as the unofficial end of summer;
but for law enforcement across Florida, it signifies an increase in
motorists traveling on the roadways and the importance of reminding
drivers to stay safe and sober behind the wheel.
“As
we head into Labor Day weekend tomorrow, please keep safety at the
forefront of your travel plans. We see an elevated number of motorists
on our roadways on the Friday before Labor Day, which historically leads
to more crashes,” said FLHSMV Executive Director, Terry L. Rhodes.
“With more than 3,700 crashes occurring during the four-day holiday
period last year, I urge all motorists to buckle up, slow down, and
never drive impaired.”
According
to FLHSMV preliminary data, last year 3,714 crashes occurred from the
Friday before Labor Day through Labor Day across Florida. During this
four-day period, there were 43 fatalities – nine of which involved drugs
and/or alcohol.
“To
help ensure the safety of all Floridians this Labor Day weekend, FHP
will have an increased presence throughout the state to remove impaired
drivers and enhance services to motorists who need assistance while
traveling,” said Lieutenant Colonel Troy Thompson, Acting Director of the Florida Highway Patrol.
“No matter how you plan to celebrate this weekend, make sure you plan
it safely by never getting behind the wheel impaired and always
following the rules of the road. Our Troopers and fellow law enforcement
officers will be away from their friends and family to protect and
serve yours – let’s all do our part as a community to keep our roads and
loved ones safe.”
While we canÂ’t offer advice on whether or not you should wear white after Labor Day, we can offer tips to keep you and your loved ones safe this holiday weekend:
-
DonÂ’t
drive impaired. If you are planning to have alcoholic beverages, plan
to have a designated driver or ride share service get you home safely.
Never drive drug impaired. -
If you see an impaired or aggressive driver, call *FHP (*347) or 911.
-
Obey speed limits and practice courtesy on the highway.
-
Buckle up. Your seat belt is your vehicleÂ’s best safety feature.
-
ATVs and off-road vehicles are to be driven on unpaved roadways – never the highway.
-
DonÂ’t drive distracted. Keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, and mind on driving.
-
Get plenty of rest before you get behind the wheel. Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as impaired driving.
COLLIN BREAUX 
Special to the News