Troopers On the Prowl for Unsafe Drivers

Tampa Bay area motorists will want to make sure they’re extra careful on local highways as Operation Safe Driver continues.

The Florida Highway Patrol has announced its partnership with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance during the annual safety campaign. The intent of the enforcement push is to increase safe driving awareness around large trucks, the patrol noted in a media release. The campaign is also designed to increase the safety compliance of commercial truck operators.

“Whether driving in a large truck or in a small car, driving requires your constant attention,” reminded Chief Troy Thompson, of the highway patrol’s commercial vehicle enforcement bureau. “Buckle up, get plenty of rest, be patient, don’t drive distracted and designate a sober driver before hitting the roads.”

As the campaign continues, troopers will “emphasize traffic safety education and enforcement details that focus on dangerous driving behaviors such as speeding, following too closely, unsafe lane changes and distracted driving.”

Motorists can operate under the radar, so to say, by buckling up, maintaining the speed limit, avoiding tailgating, refraining from cutting in front of commercial vehicles and buses and avoiding distracted driving.

The campaign runs through Saturday on roads throughout the state of Florida and beyond.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol