TAMPA - Col. John Czernis, director of the Florida Highway Patrol, announced July 2 the start of a statewide traffic enforcement initiative entitled Operation C.A.R.E.
The 72-hour Combined Accident Reduction Effort begins July 3, 2009, and runs through July 5. The campaign focuses on violations for speed, lack of safety belt use, and Driving Under the Influence. The operation is part of a national program aimed at reducing the number of traffic crashes on interstate highways during holiday weekends.
“This initiative is part of a series of special enforcement efforts that help ensure the safety and well-being of motorists on Florida’s roadways,” said Czernis. “Our troopers are here to take enforcement action on those drivers who choose to put themselves and others in danger.”
FHP seeks to maximize its presence on the roadways, conduct DUI checkpoints, and deploy DUI roving teams during the holiday period. All available FHP personnel work Operation C.A.R.E., including Auxiliary and Reserve troopers who volunteer their time to assist regular troopers during the heightened holiday enforcement weekend.
Troopers use RADAR, LASER, motorcycles and marked and unmarked patrol vehicles to track speed violators. FHP also engages its aircraft to spot violators from the air and then direct troopers on the ground to pull them over and initiate appropriate enforcement action. The Patrol focuses enforcement efforts on every interstate, Florida's turnpike and other major state roads in Florida in order to reduce the number of crashes that may occur.
Motorists are reminded to dial *FHP (*347) from a cell phone to report an aggressive driver or to request roadside assistance. The Florida Highway Patrol would also like to remind everyone to Move Over when approaching any authorized emergency vehicle or wrecker displaying rotating or flashing lights stopped on the side of a roadway.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles provides highway safety and security through excellence in service, education and enforcement. The Department is leading the way to a safer Florida through the efficient and professional execution of its core mission: the issuance of driver licenses, vehicle tags and titles and operation of the Florida Highway Patrol. To learn more about DHSMV and the services offered, visit www.flhsmv.gov.
