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Ocala
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Florida Highway Patrol offers safety tips for motorists on Labor Day

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and its division of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) are reminding drivers to exercise caution this Labor Day weekend to ensure that all Floridians ‘Arrive Alive.’

Labor Day weekend is a common signal to many that the summer is unofficially over. However, for law enforcement officers across the state, it signifies an increase in motorists traveling on the roadways.

As the holiday weekend approaches, FLHSMV is reminding drivers to stay safe and sober behind the wheel.

Terry L. Rhodes, FLHSMV Executive Director, stated, “As Labor Day approaches, please keep safety at the forefront of your travel plans. While many of us will take this long weekend to celebrate with family and friends, our FHP Troopers and first responders will be working to respond to and protect our safety.”

Rhodes added, “Historically in Florida, more crashes occur on the Friday before Labor Day than any other day during the four-day travel period. No matter how far your destination may be, please remember to buckle up, slow down, and never drive impaired.”

According to FLHSMV data, there were 4,016 crashes last year that occurred from the Friday before Labor Day (September 3, 2021) through Labor Day (September 6, 2021) across the state of Florida. In addition, there were 41 fatalities from crashes during this four-day period – eight of which involved drugs and/or alcohol – along with 171 serious bodily injuries.

FLHSMV and FHP are offering the following tips to keep travelers and their loved ones safe this holiday weekend:

  • Don’t drive impaired. If you are planning to have alcoholic beverages, plan to have a designated driver or ride share service get you home safely. Never drive 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. Your 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.

“FHP troopers will be out in force to remove impaired drivers and provide services to motorists who need assistance while traveling,” stated Colonel Gene Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “No matter how you plan to celebrate this weekend, never drive impaired and always follow the rules of the road. Let’s make this a safe and happy Labor Day for all Floridians and visitors.”