More drivers expected to travel for Memorial Day

AAA says cheap gas is fueling one of the busiest Memorial Day weekends in years.

The company projects more than 2 million Floridians are preparing to travel 50 miles or more this weekend, an increase of about 66,000 people from 2016.

Troopers said they will be cracking down on speeders and intoxicated and distracted drivers.

They’ll be keeping a close eye on one of the most dangerous stretches of highway in all of Florida -- I-95 near the 210 exit in St. Johns County.

“There are always a lot of accidents. they always seem to be in the same areas,” Jim Hall said. “Some people aren’t watching what they’re doing and the construction doesn’t help either.”

In January, Florida Highway Patrol launched an initiative to improve safety on this highway. There’s also help online.

“Plan your route – call ahead and you can utilize the fhp website which can give you live traffic conditions,” spokesperson Sgt. Dylan Bryan said.

The website shows you live feeds of traffic crashes and alternative routes if a road is closed.

Law enforcement also recommends you to turn off the ringer on your cell phone and put it in the back seat – to ensure that you’re not tempted to access it at some point in your drive.

Cox Media Group