Agency offers tips on how to stay safe on road this summer

AAA says traffic increases over summer months

Summer is one of the most popular times of the year for things like vacations and backyard parties. It’s also a very busy time for travel, especially by car.

And those two things don’t always pair well.

Triple A has forecasted an increase this year in summer travel volume by car.

Gas prices are at the lowest we’ve seen in more than a decade. And things like school vacations and longer, sunny days make summer the best time of the year.


According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the summer months lead to significantly higher rates for alcohol impaired drivers. The number of fatal accidents are also much higher- as much as double the normal rates around peak times, like the Fourth of July.

And for that reason Florida Highway Patrol has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to drinking and driving.

“There is no warning, if someone has been drinking and driving you will go to jail. And hopefully if you have made that choice to get behind the wheel when you have been drinking and driving that you don’t kill anybody. Because then those charges can be escalated to DUI manslaughter.”

Police urge party goers to establish a designated driver ahead of time, use public transportation or make arrangements to use a taxi or car service like Uber.

And do not get behind the wheel if you have been drinking.

"Just don’t take the risk. You run the risk of getting in a crash and you run the risk of getting charged. It’s cheaper just to find another way home than to risk being involved with law enforcement.”

It is just as important to stay out of cars with impaired drivers if you’re a passenger.

It's all about planning ahead to make sure that your day ends as well as it starts. 


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