Before you pack up the car and the family for your Labor Day holiday weekend venture, make sure you review roadway safety tips — and that includes keeping an eye on your speed as your pushing to reach your destination.
This year, officials with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) will be out on our roadways during the long weekend and looking to crackdown on speeders, according to WCTV. As always, officers throughout the state will be on the hunt for drunk drivers, as we see a significant increase in intoxicated motorists during long weekends and holiday periods.
Speeding, aggressive drivers and tempers will also increase the risks. Florida Highway Patrol Sergeant Ryan Martina says he understands that emotions can flare behind the wheel, but officers are ready to address the problem to reduce the risks for everyone on the road.
“It’s all about safety. It’s not about revenue or anything like that,” said Martina.
Our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers understand that officers will be targeting Interstate 10 as part of their enforcement efforts. It’s all a part of a new multi-state initiative meant to keep motorists safe during the hectic travel weekend. Across the state of Florida, the number of fatal car accidents during summer holiday weekends is down from 2012, but the overall number of crashes is up. This increased patrolling effort kicks off on the 29th and continues through the Labor Day weekend.
This is the first time that the seven states that border Interstate 10 have joined forces to nab dangerous and irresponsible drivers through a weekend holiday enforcement period.
If you encounter a side-of-the-road traffic stop along your travels, remember Florida’s Move Over Law:
-Get out of the lane that’s closest to the stopped official’s vehicle.
-If you’re traveling on a two-lane roadway, you’re required to slow down and travel 20 miles per hour under the posted speed limit when the speed limit is 25 miles per hour or more. If the speed limit is 20 miles per hour or less, you must slow down to five miles per hour.
-If you don’t move over the penalty is about $120 (depending on the Florida County) and 3 points on your driver’s license.
-Every pedestrian using the road right-of-way shall yield the right-of-way until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, unless otherwise directed by a police officer.
Approximately 2.6 million Georgians and Floridians are expected to take a trip of 50+ miles over the Labor Day holiday weekend. And many more will be traveling up and down the coast via Interstate 10. It’s important that you are familiar with road laws in each state and make sure that you’re abiding by them at all times. Being a knowledgeable and educated driver pays off.
And always remember to stay sober behind the wheel. If you’re Labor Day celebrations include alcohol, make sure you’ve got a designated driver to get you home safely. Getting behind the wheel intoxicated can not only risk you time in jail and other serious consequences, but it can also risk your life and the lives of other innocent drivers.
If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident, call Freeman Injury Law at 1-800-561-7777 for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.
More Blog Entries:
Slightly Fewer Traffic Collisions Reported in Florida First Half of 2013, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident, August 14, 2013
Is Florida Distracted in its Distracted Driving Battle?, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident, Attorney August 8, 2013