The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ (FLHSMV) division of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is urging drivers to use caution when traveling on Florida’s roads during the Fourth of July holiday period.
More than 2.6 million Floridians are expected to travel during the Fourth of July holiday period, which runs from Thursday, June 30 to Monday, July 4. Nearly 90% of those travelers are expected to travel by automobile, which would be the most on record dating back to 2001, according to AAA – The Auto Club Group.
FLHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes, said, “With a predicted record-breaking amount of travel expected over the upcoming holiday weekend, we are urging motorists to drive with caution and obey all Florida traffic laws.”
Rhodes added, “The Fourth of July holiday is a great opportunity to gather with friends, family, and loved ones to celebrate our nation’s independence, but please be safe, never drive impaired, and arrive alive this Independence Day.”
In July 2021, there were nearly 56,000 speeding citations issued to motorists across Florida, and more than 13,000 citations were issued for careless driving. FHP troopers will have increased presence on the state’s roadways throughout the holiday weekend and will be conducting enforcement operations targeting aggressive and impaired drivers.
“FHP urges all Floridians and visitors to slow down and never drive impaired, especially this Fourth of July holiday weekend. Please ensure you have a plan if you decide to drink and always have a designated driver. If you witness an aggressive or impaired driver, we encourage you to dial *FHP (*347) or 911. The life you save may be your own,” said Colonel Gene S. Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol.
FHP is offering the following driving safety tips for this year’s Fourth of July weekend:
- Don’t drive impaired. If you are planning to have alcoholic beverages, plan to utilize a designated driver or ride share service to get home safely. In addition, never drive while drug impaired.
- If you see an impaired or aggressive driver, call *FHP (*347) or 911.
- Obey speed limits and practice courtesy on the highway.
- Buckle up. The seat belt is your vehicle’s best safety feature.
- ATVs and off-road vehicles are to be driven on unpaved roadways – never on the highway.
- Don’t drive distracted. Keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, and mind on driving.
- Get plenty of rest before you get behind the wheel. Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as impaired driving.