Safety Tips for Your Florida Road Trip
Make Sure Your Vehicle Is in Tip Top Shape
To avoid an unexpected
roadside emergency, invest in preventative automobile maintenance. Get your automobile ready for summer
vacation travel. In case of an emergency, it is a good idea to have a kit for your vehicle that includes:
- First aid kit
- Jumper cables
- Hand tools
- Flashlight with new batteries
- Jack
- Gloves
- Cellular phone charger
Consider a Rental
Another consideration would be renting a vehicle for your
vacation. The family sedan is many times not suited for long trips and renting is often cheaper than the cost
of the wear and tear on your own vehicle. Look for coupons offering a free class upgrade giving you a larger
vehicle for the same price. Reservations should be made well in advance of your trip to ensure you get the
vehicle you want and do shop around for the best deal.
Travel Safely With Pets
If you are taking your
pets in the car with you, these tips are sure to be helpful.
Be sure they have the proper ID, their shots are up to date, and don’t forget their special needs when
packing travel supplies. Most importantly, leaving your pet in a parked car can be a deadly mistake —
especially in the Florida heat.
Know Local Motor Vehicle Laws
Knowing the rules of the road and following them is another detail of safe summer driving.
Know the roads you will be traveling and the laws governing the State. Drive the speed limit, refrain from
making unsafe lane changes and tailgating other motor vehicles, remember to use turn signals and headlights
when required. Stay away from aggressive or erratic drivers — don’t get personally involved or
challenge them. Some particular Florida laws you to know are:
- Move over: Florida law requires you to move over one lane (if you can safely do so) or
drop your speed to 20 mph less than the speed limit for stopped emergency vehicles, wreckers, sanitation or
utility service vehicles.
- Child restraint: Florida law requires children under age 5 to be properly secured in a
federally approved child restraint system and children 3 or younger must use a separate car seat or the
vehicles built-in car seat.
Be Aware of the Weather
Driving in
Florida during the summer offers some unique challenges. The intense heat and our regular summer
rainstorms are road hazards that cause many breakdowns and accidents. SafeCar.gov offers advice and tips to help motorists and
their automobiles avoid trouble.
Taking the time to handle these details will help get your Florida vacation off to a good start. Above all,
remember to relax, keep your cool, and take it easy — that’s what vacations are for.
https://www.tripsavvy.com/driving-to-florida-1512043
Florida Vacation & Travel Guide (kindly check the link for more details)
https://www.tripsavvy.com/florida-vacation-travel-guide-1513694
Florida Travel Ideas (kindly check the link for more details)
http://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/travel-ideas.html
Driving in Florida Tips for Visitors
Tips for visitors who are driving in Florida on their vacation.
FLORIDA DRIVING TIPS
- Of course, remember to drive on the right side of the road.
- Legal speed limits are posted on the right side of the road.
- You may turn right at a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless a sign indicating “no
right on red” is posted at the intersection.
- Headlights must be on from dusk to dawn, as well as in fog or rain. Turn off windscreen wipers when
stopping at toll booths.
- When law enforcement vehicles are in one of the “break-down” lanes, either assisting a
motorist or pulling over a speeding vehicle, you must move to the far lane, away from the police or slow to
20 miles per hour below the speed limit.
- Law requires wearing your seat belt. In addition, children under age 4 or less than 40 pounds (15 kg) must
be in a child car seat, usually available from your car hire company.
- Driving in Florida while drinking alcohol or while under the influence of alcohol is illegal. Appoint a
“designated driver” in your group who will drink only non-alcoholic beverages and drive home
safely.
- Drivers may dial *FHP on Florida interstates and highways in an emergency to reach the Florida Highway
Patrol (state police).
- Some interstate highways have tolls – for example, the Florida Turnpike (Ocalato Homestead), Alligator Alley (1-75
between Miamiand Naples) and the Bee Line Expressway (Orlando to Cape Canaveral). Many coastal
islands have bridges, at which a fare is also charged.
- Motorists who travel Florida’s Turnpike in Miami-Dade county will pay Florida
tollsvia an all-electronic collection system. Officials caution motorists that under no circumstances
should they attempt to stop in high-speed electronic tolling lanes. For more information about the toll road
changes, click here.
- You only need your documentation of identification, such as your driver’s license from your native
country, to drive in Florida. You do not need an international driving permit.
CAR RENTAL
To rent a car you must have your driving license, passport and a credit card. The minimum age for car hire is
21, but some agencies will charge more for drivers under 25 years of age. Major companies will allow you to
pick up a car in one location and drop it off in another (for an extra charge). Most major companies also have
programs allowing customers to utilize the TOLL-BY-PLATE electronic collection system wherein tolls, plus
varying service fees, are automatically charged to the credit card used to rent the vehicle. For details,
including pricing options at participating car agencies, visit www.sunpass.com/rentalcar. You can generally make reservations
before you leave your country, either by phone or online.
There are also alternative ways to get around Florida without a car. With these tips for driving in Florida
in mind, enjoy the warmth and relaxation that the Sunshine offers!
http://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/visitor-services/driving-in-florida-tips-for-visitors-and-vacationers.html