FLORIDA – With millions of people on the road for Memorial Day weekend, all types of things can happen on the road. News4JAX rode with the Florida Highway Patrol to learn how to stay safe and call for help if needed.
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Major Donald Flynn is with the FHP Auxiliary. It’s a part of FHP that plays a big role in helping disabled motorists.
“Being along the interstate is a precarious thing, No matter where you are. And cars are passing you at interstate speeds and if you’re out there trying to make a repair...it’s a matter of inches if someone veers the wrong way, you could get stuck,” Flynn said.
It’s not just about keeping safe on the highway. There are a lot of things to help save money on your trip.
Inspect your tires to make sure they don’t have cracks or something stuck inside, check the air pressure too.
Speeding can be an issue as well. Consumer Reports said you lose about six miles a gallon if you’re going 75 mph instead of 65 mph.
Using a credit card that offers cashback options for gas helps save money and Consumer Reports shows that using an auto company like Triple-A for towing can save you hundreds.
Auto insurance carriers and credit cards also sometimes cover towing. There are apps like Waze or Gas Buddy to find cheaper gas along the way.
If you’re in Florida and run into a problem call STAR-347 or if you’re in Georgia, call 511 to get assistance.
Someone like Flynn can come by to help and if you see a trooper, remember Florida’s Move Over Law designed to protect emergency personnel.
“The Move Over Law is there for a reason to protect someone who is disabled. It provides a buffer or cushion away from someone who’s not traveling in that area. If people were able to slow down 20 mph or more, it takes off that edge,” Flynn said.