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Patrol Assigns Extra Eyes On Highways Over Holiday

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By RICH SHOPES | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 25, 2008

TAMPA - Expect more state troopers on Florida's highways over the Thanksgiving holiday, one of the deadliest times for driving.

Last year during the four-day Thanksgiving period, 46 people were killed on Florida roads, second only to the Memorial Day of the six major holidays. Last year, 54 people were killed during the four-day Memorial Day weekend.

The Florida Highway Patrol is planning to gear up for the holiday by assigning nearly every trooper, supervisor and special investigator — about 1,650 total — to look for speeders and drunken drivers. The extra patrols start Wednesday morning and continue through Sunday night.

"The colonel might even be out there," Sgt. Steve Gaskins said, referring to Col. John T. Czernis, the patrol's director.

AAA, meanwhile, predicts slightly fewer drivers will hit the road because of the economy.

About 2.15 million Florida drivers will make trips of 50 miles or longer over the holiday period, or about 1.5 percent less than last year, according to the auto club. Air travel is expected to be down 8 percent nationally.

State transportation officials say road construction will be suspended so no lanes will be closed over the weekend. They recommend some tips for travelers:

• Call 511 for traffic updates or go to www.511tampabay.com, which has links to other transportation sites.

• Check your car before traveling, including tires, fluids and brakes.

• Fully charge your cell phone in case of an emergency.

• Leave early to give yourself plenty of time.

Reporter Rich Shopes can be reached at (813) 259-7633.

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