FHP Out to Make Thanksgiving Weekend Safe for Motorists

Tampa Bay area residents hitting the road for Thanksgiving weekend will want to take note. The Florida Highway Patrol and other local law enforcement agencies will be out in force to keep area roadways safe.

The highway patrol anticipates more than 2 million Floridians have plans to hit the road this holiday weekend, which is traditionally one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. With that in mind, troopers are urging residents to exercise care.

The patrol, its reserve and auxiliary troopers will all be on area roadways to assist with the increased traffic and help make sure travel is safe, a media release from the agency stated.

“The Florida Highway Patrol wishes everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday,” said Col. David Brierton, director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “The patrol is committed to making Florida’s roadways safer by putting more troopers on the road during this busy travel period. Drive safely, drive sober, protect yourself and your loved ones by buckling up every time you get in a vehicle.”

Last Thanksgiving weekend, 4,773 crashes were reported statewide. A total of 35 people died in those crashes and almost half of those involved were not wearing their seatbelts, the release said.

Motorists who encounter aggressive or impaired drivers are urged to call *FHP from their cellphones.

To find out the conditions on local roadways before traveling, visit www.flhsmv.gov/fhp/traffic.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol

See Also:

• AAA Offers Safe Rides Home Thanksgiving Weekend