SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Transportation leaders are spreading a message of safety on the roads as millions of people are traveling to celebrate the United States Semiquincentennial.
According to AAA, more than 4.6 million Floridians will travel at least 50 miles from home for Independence Day.
The increase from 2025 is modest compared to recent gains, but still sets a record for Fourth of July travel in Florida, as strong consumer demand continues to offset higher travel costs.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) urge drivers to do a summer check-up on their car, buckle up, and avoid distractions.
“Distracted driving can be anything that takes your hands off the wheel and eyes off the road,” Trooper Migdalisis Garcia said. “At the end of the day, driving is multitasking within itself, so it’s very important to just focus on driving.”
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Law enforcement will be on the lookout for speeding and aggressive driving during the travel period, which runs from Saturday, June 27, through Sunday, July 5.
“More traffic on the road, a lot of drivers are not patient,” Garcie said. “So, planning your routes beforehand and being patient with other drivers is definitely something that’s very important.”
Drivers are reminded to always make sure everyone is wearing a seatbelt whenever their vehicle is in motion.
“That click you make with your seatbelt, it reduces the chances of a fatal or serious injury crash by up to 50%,” FDOT Public Information Director Cindi Lane said.
If a problem happens on the road, FDOT provides free roadside assistance to stranded motorists through its Road Ranger program.
The service offers limited help, which includes a tire change or assisting with minor mechanical repairs.
Drivers on I-4, I-75, I-95, Florida’s Turnpike, and Central Florida’s toll roads can request a Road Ranger’s assistance by dialing *FHP (*347).
If a driver sees a disabled vehicle on the side of the road, they’re urged to follow Florida’s Move Over Law to allow the Road Ranger enough space to offer assistance.
“When you approach a Road Ranger vehicle or any first responder, move over or slow down 20 miles under the posted speed limit,” Road Ranger Manager Garrett Popovich said. “We want to make sure everybody gets home.”