Troopers Plan Increased Thanksgiving Weekend Patrols

Tampa Bay area residents with plans to travel the region’s highways and interstates over the Thanksgiving holiday will want to be on their best behavior behind the wheel.

The Florida Highway Patrol has announced plans to augment its normal forces with FHP reserve and auxiliary members who will be “patrolling the roads to help ensure safe travel.” Formal DUI Wolf Packs have not yet been announced, but the patrol reminds folks to take extra care during the long holiday weekend.

Last year, a total of 3,988 crashes were reported on Florida roads during the Thanksgiving period, the patrol noted in an email to media. A total of 43 people were killed in those crashes. Ten of the 43 were not wearing seat belts.

“The Florida Highway Patrol wishes everyone a happy Thanksgiving,” said FHP director Col. Gene Spaulding. “We are committed to making Florida’s roadways safer by augmenting troopers on the road during this busy travel period. But we’re also asking you to do your part. Buckling your seatbelt is one of the simplest, safest things you’ll ever do to stay alive.”

Anyone who spots impaired or aggressive drivers on roads in the Tampa Bay area should call *FHP to report the situation. To obtain real-time traffic conditions and additional traffic information, residents can visit FHP online.

Motorists who find they’ve had too much to drink to safely drive home are urged to find an alternative. For those who have no other options, AAA is offering its Tow 2 Go service starting Wednesday evening and running through Sunday morning.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol