As motorists take to the roads this July 4th holiday, the DeFuniak Springs Police would like to remind drivers to plan their travels carefully, keeping safety as their number one priority. This year, July 4th will be considered a 96-hour holiday period beginning Thursday at 12:01 a.m. and ending at midnight Sunday, July 7th.
The DeFuniak Springs Police would also like to remind their citizens and visitors during the summer months the traffic on U.S. Highway 331South increases, which increases travel time to their destination. The highest volume of traffic is on the weekends. With the upcoming weekend being the July 4th holiday, the delay most likely will be greater. We are encouraging motorist to keep this in mind when planning their travel. Give yourself plenty of extra time to reach your destination and always use caution.
DeFuniak Springs Police will be patrolling during the holiday weekend with a goal of keeping the holiday traffic mishaps count as low as possible. "Enforcement personnel will be concentrating their efforts to locate impaired drivers on our roads as well as speeders and motorists who fail to buckle up," Chief Mark A. Weeks said. "Officers will be concentrating on the most common violations identified as contributing factors in fatal traffic crashes." Lieutenant Tilman Mears said.
Chief Mark A. Weeks stated, “Anytime a holiday period falls on a weekend, there is an increased chance of encountering an alcohol impaired driver as you travel.” "You should always minimize distractions in your vehicle and be alert should you be forced to take evasive action to avoid a collision," advised Captain Michael Lolley.
DeFuniak Springs Police will be conducting a safety check point and concentrated patrols within the city limits of DeFuniak Springs during the holiday weekend. This is specifically aimed at intercepting impaired, reckless and negligent drivers to decrease the chances of traffic fatalities.
DeFuniak Springs Police wants to wish everyone a safe and happy July 4th 2013 Holiday!
Lieutenant Tilman Mears
Criminal Investigations Division Commander
mearstf@defuniakspringspolice.net