Help the FHP Save a Life in Florida This 4th of July

Palm City, Fla. (PRWEB) July 2, 2007 -- Holiday weekends are especially deadly on US Roads and Highways and the 4th of July is the deadliest of all. During the 5 day 4th of July holiday in 2006, 31 people died on Florida highways. Many of the deaths were completely avoidable as they were the result of drunk driving, not wearing a seatbelt, and speeding.

The Florida Highway Patrol will be out in force with standard patrol staff and extra personnel. They will be especially focused on impaired drivers, speeders, and anyone not wearing a seatbelt. Even with a constant drumbeat to the public on the dangers of these behaviors some drivers still do not listen.

DMV Florida the online guide to the Florida DMV is asking all Floridians (http://www.dmvflorida.org/) and visitors to help save a life this holiday weekend.

"Our hope is to spread the word so that friends and relatives put a little positive peer pressure on their loved ones. If we can spread the word we can save lives and avoid senseless deaths. Think of someone you know that is at risk and have a talk with him or her. Let them know you want them to enjoy the holiday and you want them to live through it," said Mitchell Adams of the DMVFlorida.org.

DUI Continues to be a Major Killer

The three major causes of traffic fatalities during the 4th of July 2006 are totally avoidable. DUI in Florida (http://www.dmvflorida.org/florida-dui.shtml) accounts for at least 30 percent of all the deaths and there is no excuse for it. There is a program in Florida that will pickup anyone with their car and drive them home. Details can be found on DMV Florida.

Buckle Up

According to the FHP 52 percent of those killed in accidents during the 4th holiday in 2006 were not wearing a seatbelt. This can be especially deadly for children and nationally six of ten children killed in car accidents were not restrained.

"If you're not wearing a seatbelt and are involved in an accident you bounce around the car like a ping pong ball or can fly out a window. The result is major injuries that can be avoided. If you are restrained the car acts like a protective shell," said Mitchell Adams of DMVFlorida.org.

Speeding 1.3 Million Times

Speeding continues to top the list of violations in Florida with 1,351,074 tickets issued in 2006. During holiday weekends like the 4th of July speeding is extra dangerous as the roads are more crowded and the number of impaired drivers is higher than usual. Detailed statistics on traffic deaths in Florida during the 4th of July in 2006 tell the story.

Positive Peer Pressure

This 4th of July take responsibility for someone close to you. Keep them from drinking and driving (http://www.dmvflorida.org/july-dui2006.shtml), make everyone buckle up (especially children), and slow down. Applying a little positive peer pressure may save the life of someone you love.

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