Safety is priority with increased holiday travel
Just as Santa is prepping for his journey across the globe, millions of Floridians are prepping for travel of some kind in the coming weeks to visit friends, family and loved ones.
According to AAA, a record setting 5.9 million people in the Sunshine State will venture elsewhere, the most since The Auto Club Group began tracking holiday travel in 2001.
With a record number of drivers on the road, safety remains the No. 1 priority for agencies across the region.
“Low gas prices and a strong economy continues to drive up demand for seasonal travel,” said Mark Jenkins, AAA spokesperson in a statement. “With more Floridians hitting the road than ever before, AAA urges drivers to reduce the risk of a holiday hazard. Get your vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic, minimize distractions while behind the wheel, and do not drive impaired.”
With the holiday season comes parties, family gatherings, functions, work events, etc, all that may involve an alcoholic beverage or two.
The Cape Coral Police Department and Florida Highway Patrol will be cracking down on impaired drivers over the following weeks.
CCPD is partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s campaign, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” from Dec. 13-31.
“We understand that during the holidays, people are running around, busily checking off items on their to-do list and attending parties,” said CCPD Sergeant James Lear; Traffic Unit Supervisor, in a prepared statement. “We need our community members to slow down and remember: It’s up to them to make the smart decision to drive sober – during the holidays, and all year long. Drunk driving is a huge problem in our country, and, unfortunately, we’re seeing a rise in marijuana use and drugged driving, too. Stay safe and stay sober on the roads.”
“Driving impaired on any substance is unacceptable,” said CCPD spokesperson Master Sgt. Allan Kolak in a statement. “It is essential to plan for alternate transportation like a sober designated driver, Uber, Lyft, a taxi, etc. before you ever leave for the party. That’s why, during the December holidays, we will make zero exceptions for impaired driving. There are just no excuses.”
The FHP is also joining in on the initiative, bolstering their presence on highways during the holiday period.
“Troopers and our law enforcement partners will actively be looking for impaired drivers this holiday season,” said Col. Gene S. Spaulding, director of the Florida Highway Patrol in a release. “If you drink or are under the influence any substance, be responsible and have a designated driver or ride share service get you to your destination safely.”
FHP offers the following safety tips for motorists:
n Your seat belt is your vehicle’s best safety feature. Buckle Up!
n Don’t drink and drive. If you are planning to have drinks, make sure you have a designated driver to make sure everyone gets home safely.
n Don’t drive distracted. Keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel and mind on driving.
n Get plenty of rest before you head out on your journey. Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving.
n Obey speed limits and practice courtesy on the highway. You’re not the only one trying to get somewhere for the holidays.
FHP will conduct a DUI Wolfpack Operation from 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 21 until 4 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 22 in Collier and Lee Counties.
The operation will target Interstate 75 and major state and county roadways.
Florida law considers a driver with .08 or higher Blood Alcohol Content to be impaired.
Drivers under the age of 21 with a BAC of .02 or higher are also in violation.
You can download the NHTSA’s SaferRide mobile app, which allows users to call a taxi or a predetermined friend and identifies the user’s location so he or she can be picked up.
According to the NHTSA, 885 people were killed in traffic incidents involving drunk drivers in Dec. of 2017.
From 2013-2017, an average of 10,000 people were killed in drunk driving crashes.
Both law enforcement agencies state that drunk driving is not only illegal, but a matter of life and death.
AAA is once again offering its “Tow to Go” program, in conjunction with Anheuser-Busch.
The program will start Dec. 21 and run until Jan. 2.
“No family should have to experience a needless tragedy during the holidays as a result of an impaired driver,” said Matt Nasworthy, Florida public affairs director for AAA in a release. “Whether you call Tow to Go, use a designated driver or stay where you are celebrating, it’s critical to have a plan for getting home safely and never get behind the wheel impaired.”
Call 855-286-9246 to get a confidential local ride to a safe location within 10 miles, available for AAA members and non-members.
The AAA tow truck will take the vehicle and driver home, but may not be available in rural areas or during severe weather conditions.
Driving sober is key to ensuring a safe journey, though making sure your car is equipped to log many miles is another.
AAA expects to rescue more than 960,000 vehicles at the roadside.
Dead batteries, lockouts and flat tires will be a top the list.
AAA recommends motorists update their vehicle maintenance; such as oil changes, fluid level checks, battery tests and tire inspections.
Floridians could see the lowest holiday fuel level prices in three years, and are paying 62 cents less than this year’s high currently.
“Holiday travelers will have more jingle in their pockets after they fill-up the family vehicle,” said Jenkins. “Prices are already at 2-year lows for the holidays, and should slip even lower in the next two weeks. Oil prices have been unable to gain significant upward momentum after OPEC announced plans to cut production. The price of crude declined last week and should drop again this week, because industry analysts are skeptical that OPEC’s plan could rebalance what is currently an oversupplied market. If oil prices drop even further this week, that would reduce the cost of producing gasoline and allow additional price cuts at the pump.”
Orlando remains the No.1 travel destination during the holidays, with Fort Lauderdale and Miami also cracking the top 10.
AAA states that the busiest days to fly with be Dec. 22,23 and 26, with fewer holiday travelers choosing to take to the air on Christmas Eve and Day.
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