Central Florida is getting ready for the hectic Fourth of July travel season

Fourth of July Fireworks on Beach — Courtesy: Shutterstock — Image by: Orofinto

SANFORD, FL. — AAA predicts that a record number of drivers will be on Central Florida roads during the Fourth of July vacation travel period.

Officials from the Florida Highway Patrol and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) are already getting ready for the influx.

Over 4 million Floridians are expected to travel during this peak time, according to AAA, a 3 percent increase from the previous year.

Drivers are being reminded by officials to be mindful of the increased traffic.

“We must ensure that everyone is considering the fact that they should allow themselves more time and anticipate that there will be significant traffic on the roadways. Cindy Lane, the public information officer for FDOT District 5, advised patience.

Lane is warning drivers to make sure their seat belts are fastened, stay away from distractions, and obey speed limits.

Every 44 seconds, there is a crash in Florida. Additionally, studies reveal that distracted driving is a factor in around one out of every seven of those incidents,” Lane stated.

Throughout the weekend, FDOT will be putting up signs along important roads to reinforce safety precautions.

Another issue for visitors to Central Florida is the possibility of rainy weather.

“Ensure that your car is prepared. If it’s pouring outside, you may need to reduce your speed, but you should also make sure your lights’ windshield wipers are functioning,” said Loreen Bobo of the FDOT District 5 Office of Safety.

Drivers are urged to report any violent or intoxicated driving during the holiday weekend, as state troopers will be out in full force.

“Please phone star FHP, or star 347 on your mobile device, if you see someone driving recklessly or if you suspect they are under the influence of alcohol. To help our dispatcher get a trooper out there to get that dangerous driver off the road, please provide us know the make, model, color, and last known direction of travel of that vehicle,” said Lieutenant Tara Crescenzi of FHP Troop D Public Affairs.


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