On the water, on the road, safety urged this holiday weekend
Whether you plan to hit the roads or the waterways this Memorial Day weekend, local officials are preaching preparedness and best practices to keep all travelers safe.
National Safe Boating Week runs from May 17 to 23 and kicks off the summer boating season — a popular recreational activity for droves of Florida residents and visitors.
Florida is recognized as the “Boating Capital of the World,” leading the nation with more than 1 million registered vessels across the Sunshine State.
According to the most recent data from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, in 2023, Florida reported 659 boating accidents, resulting in 59 fatalities and 408 injuries. Florida leads the nation in boating accidents and deaths. The most frequent cause of death in Florida boating accidents is drowning.
National Safe Boating Week serves as a reminder for all boaters to brush up on boating safety skills and prepare for the boating season. This observance week is the annual kick-off of the Safe Boating Campaign, a global awareness effort that encourages boaters to make the most of their boating adventure by being responsible.
“We’re committed to teaching boaters that the best boating experience is a safe day on the water,” said Peg Phillips, executive director of the National Safe Boating Council, in a release. The NSBC is a nonprofit dedicated to helping create a safe boating experience for all boaters and the lead organization of the Safe Boating Campaign. “This National Safe Boating Week, prepare for a great boating season by inspecting your boating safety gear and commit to providing comfortable life jackets for all your passengers to wear every time you go boating.”
Hitting the Road
AAA-The Auto Club Group, anticipates Floridians to travel in record numbers this Memorial Day weekend, as they forecast nearly 2.6 million throughout the state will travel. AAA expects to rescue more than 350,000 stranded motorists, during the holiday weekend — with the most common calls for flat tires, dead batteries, and lockouts.
“As you finalize your travel plans, don’t forget to check your vehicle’s condition,” said Mark Jenkins, Public Relations manager for AAA, in a release. “A simple pre-trip inspection of your tires, battery, brakes, and other essentials can prevent unexpected breakdowns.”
Nationwide, AAA experts are predicting that more than 45.1 million will travel over Memorial Day weekend — a 1.4 million increase in domestic travelers from last year. It’s also a new Memorial Day weekend record, surpassing the previous record set back in 2005 with 44 million people.
“Despite economic uncertainty and global challenges, travel remains a priority for Americans, with millions eager to make memories with a Memorial Day getaway,” said Debbie Haas, vice president of Travel for AAA, in a release. “Whether travelers are looking for a quick getaway or an extended vacation, there are budget-friendly options for every plan. From a short beach retreat to an extended cruise, working with a travel advisor can help uncover exclusive discounts and create a vacation that best meets your interests and needs.”
Some good news is that Florida gas prices are trending downward as millions of Americans prepare to travel for Memorial Day weekend.
Last week, Florida gas prices shot up 20 cents per gallon, going from $2.92 per gallon to $3.12. From there, the state averaged declined 7 cents per gallon through the weekend.
On Sunday, Florida gas prices averaged $3.05 per gallon. That’s 46 cents less than the state average on Memorial Day 2024 according to AAA.
“With so many drivers fueling up, gas prices may fluctuate in the coming days,” said Jenkins. “However, even at their peak, prices should remain well below last year’s holiday rates.”
For those hitting the road, AAA provided tips to prevent car troubles:
• Check your tires – Ensure proper inflation and tread depth. Don’t forget the spare!
• Inspect your brakes – Grinding noises or vibrations signal a need for service.
• Test your battery – If your engine starts slowly or the lights are dim, it may be time for a replacement. AAA members can get battery checks at a AAA Car Care, Approved Auto Repair Facility or call AAA to request on-site service.
• Replace wiper blades – If your wipers streak or don’t clear the windshield thoroughly, replace them.
• Top off fluids – check oil, coolant, and brake, transmission, and power steering fluids. Use products recommended in your owner’s manual.
• Replenish your emergency kit – Include essentials like a flashlight, batteries, first-aid supplies, water, non-perishable snacks, jumper cables, emergency flares, and a basic tool kit.
AAA also reminds drivers to move over for roadside workers and stranded motorists, as roadside crashes claim nearly 350 lives annually, including one tow operator every other week. AAA urges drivers to obey Move Over laws and give space to stranded motorists, tow trucks, and emergency responders.
“Our roadside technicians risk their lives to help stranded drivers,” Jenkins added. “If you see flashing lights, move over or slow down. This simple act can make all the difference in protecting those who work tirelessly to keep drivers safe.”
For the 27th year, The Auto Club Group has provided the Tow to Go program. When called upon, The Auto Club Group dispatches a tow truck to transport the driver and vehicle to a safe location within a 10-mile radius for free.
Since its inception, Tow to Go has removed more than 30,000 impaired drivers from the road. Tow to Go is active from 6 p.m. Friday, May 23, to 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 27.
The Tow to Go service can be reached by calling (855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246.