FHP Still Out In Force As Long Holiday Weekend Continues

December 26, 2008

The Florida Highway Patrol remains out in force today on this long Christmas weekend.

The FHP announced that they are using will use zero tolerance enforcement strategies to target aggressive and hazardous violators throughout the state. Troopers will place special emphasis on aggressive driving, Driving Under the Influence, speeding and safety restraint violations. Motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians who comply with Florida’s traffic laws and use sound judgment can help make this holiday period safer and less stressful.

This year’s Christmas holiday enforcement period began at 12:01 a.m. Christmas Eve and will end at midnight Dec. 28, 2008. The New Year’s holiday enforcement period will begin at 12:01 a.m. on December 31, 2008, and end at midnight January 4, 2009.

“Our goal this holiday period is to make our roads safer for our residents and visitors,” said Colonel Czernis. “We will be out enforcing Florida traffic laws, placing emphasis on motorists who place others in danger. We will have zero tolerance for violators who have a disregard for the safety of others.”

All sworn personnel on the patrol normally assigned to administrative duties will be reassigned to patrol duties on high volume roadways. In addition, auxiliary and reserve troopers will volunteer to assist regular troopers during the heightened holiday enforcement period.

Motorists are urged to contact FHP or local law enforcement officials to report an impaired, aggressive or dangerous driver by dialing *FHP (*347) from a cell phone. Callers may remain anonymous. Motorists who experience car trouble on the highway or otherwise need assistance from the FHP are also encouraged to use *FHP.

The Florida Highway Patrol reminds motorists of Florida’s Move Over law. The law requires motorists to move over when a patrol car, emergency vehicle or tow truck/wrecker is stopped on the side of the road with lights flashing. Motorists are required to change lanes away from authorized emergency vehicles if able to move over safely or slow down while maintaining a safe speed. Violators of the Move Over law will be issued a citation.

Pictured above: Trooper Rafael Streeter issues a traffic citation earlier this year at the corner of Highway 29 and Hecker Road in Century. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.

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