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Police Ready For Busy Holiday

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 21, 2007

Besides turkey, dressing and pumpkin pie, another thing is certain this holiday: traffic. Lots of it.

So starting at precisely one minute past midnight today, Florida Highway Patrol troopers were out in "extraordinary" force patrolling the state's roads, hoping to prevent accidents and injuries.

Even sworn officers normally assigned to administrative duties will be on patrol during the 120-hour Thanksgiving weekend. They will be looking for impaired, aggressive and speeding drivers, safety belt and child restraint violations, and other hazardous driving practices.

During last year's long holiday weekend, 48 people were killed on Florida roads in 45 crashes. Twenty of the deaths were alcohol-related, according to the highway patrol. Two fatalities were in Pasco County.

The highway patrol also wants to remind motorists to move over when approaching an emergency vehicle that is using visual signals while parked. Motorists are also urged to report impaired, aggressive or otherwise dangerous drivers. Dial *FHP (*347) from a cell phone. Callers can remain anonymous.

Pasco sheriff's deputies also will be out on "saturation" patrols. They will focus on Land O' Lakes on Friday and on Hudson and Bayonet Point on Saturday.

What To Expect

Here's what you'll find on Florida's highways during the Thanksgiving weekend:

•The highway patrol will vigorously enforce traffic laws in an attempt to prevent crashes and save lives.

•Highway patrol aircraft will monitor traffic on interstates 75, 4 and 275; the Polk and Suncoast parkways; and the Tampa Bay area bridges. Pilots will clock motorists and advise troopers on the ground about speeders and aggressive motorists.

•Highway patrol motorcycles, cruisers and unmarked cars will be out trying to prevent accidents and road rage incidents.

Tips To Stay Safe

The highway patrol suggests that if you're on the road, you should:

•Give yourself sufficient time to get to your destination safely. If stopped for speeding, you may add more time to your trip, get points against your license, cause your insurance rates to rise, spend money on fines and, worst of all, hurt or kill yourself or someone else.

•Make sure your vehicle is in tiptop shape. Check tires, belts and hoses before you leave home. Preventable maintenance is a key to a safe ride.

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