Eights States Team Up For Labor Day Driving Crackdown

August 31, 2013

The Florida Highway Patrol is collaborating with other southern border states in an effort to keep the roadways safe and fatality-free over the Labor Day holiday weekend.

All eight states that line I-10 — Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California — will be participating in an intensified enforcement effort called “10-8 on 10, One Road, One Mission.” By all states working together, the entire 2,460 miles of I-10 will be covered under this enforcement action.

During the four day period beginning that ends at midnight Monday, law enforcement agencies in each state will conduct special details on I-10. The details will focus on stopping drunk and drugged drivers, aggressive drivers, speeders and drivers who fail to move over to the left hand lane when a law enforcement, emergency or tow vehicle is parked on the side of the road.

In addition, troopers will be checking for distracted driving, seat belt use, improper lane changes and commercial vehicle safety. While these focus areas are something the FHP does every day, it is the first time that the eight states have teamed up to ensure interstate travelers will see the same enforcement effort throughout their trip.

“The partnerships we have formed with the seven states along the I-10 corridor shows that we are serious about improving public safety through an intensified enforcement operation,” said Col. David Brierton, director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “In an effort to reduce traffic fatalities, traffic crashes and unlawful activity associated with our roadways, we will be out in full force during the Labor Day holiday period.”

FHP offers the following safety tips:

  • Get plenty of rest before setting out on a long trip and allow plenty of time to reach your destination;
  • Buckle up. A seatbelt is your vehicle’s most important safety feature;
  • Obey all speed limits;
  • Drive sober and alert;
  • Eliminate driver distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the stereo, etc. Anything that can take your eyes off the road, even a second, can lead to an accident.
  • Take steps before you leave to prepare your vehicle for the trip i.e. checking tire pressure/condition and fluid levels.

Comments

Comments are closed.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News