Florida is among five southern states joining in a week-long initiative to reduce fatal crashes and injuries on the roads.
FHP said the goal is to "raise awareness of traffic safety issues and create increased enforcement of traffic violations."
Law enforcement are urging drivers to comply with all traffic laws, including making sure everyone in their vehicle is buckled up and drivers are not driving distracted or impaired.”
This effort is in conjunction with Florida’s Arrive Alive campaign.
The Florida Highway Patrol, Georgia State Patrol, South Carolina Highway Patrol, Alabama State Patrol, and Tennessee Highway Patrol are working with local law enforcement to "enhance education, visibility, and enforcement to help ensure the southeastern United States has the safest roadways possible."
“The Florida Highway Patrol is committed to making our highways safer, and we plan to do that by bolstering our forces to reduce the number and severity of crashes,” said Colonel Gene Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol in a written statement. “Troopers will take appropriate enforcement action on those drivers who put themselves and others in danger. We want everyone to have a safe traveling experience, and I encourage motorists to do their part by complying with all traffic laws, including making sure everyone in their vehicle is buckled up and drivers are not driving distracted or impaired.”
Troopers said they will be extra vigilant enforcing seat belt usage, speeding, impaired driving and distracted driving violations.
FHP wants to remind drivers to:
- Obey all speed limits;
- Every time you get in a vehicle, no matter where you are sitting, buckle up. That click reduces your risk of being injured or killed in a crash by almost 50 percent;
- Do not text and drive; texting is one of the most dangerous distractions because it requires manual, visual and cognitive ability- the same abilities that are needed to drive safely.