FLHSMV and FHP Ask Motorists Not to ‘Wing It’ and Arrive Alive This Holiday Season

~ Helping Floridians safely reach the Thanksgiving table through smart driving decisions and vehicle preparedness~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. ~ Thanksgiving is a cherished tradition that brings families and friends together around the table. As thousands of Floridians travel to reunite with loved ones during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and its division, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), along with public safety partners across the state, are reminding motorists not to "wing it" when it comes to safety and to Arrive Alive all holiday season long. Beginning now through the end of the year, FLHSMV and FHP will educate motorists on impaired driving, hit-and-run awareness, and vehicle readiness to help keep Florida's roadways safe.

We urge drivers to make responsible choices before they get behind the wheel. During November and December 2025, more than 1,000 crashes on Florida roadways involved alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. Whether celebrating at home or attending a holiday gathering, always designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service, or arrange alternative transportation before consuming alcohol.

The Thanksgiving holiday, one of the busiest travel periods of the year, highlights the importance of these safety precautions, so don't "wing it." Last year, during the five-day Thanksgiving travel period (Wednesday through Sunday), there were 7,331 crashes on Florida roadways, resulting in 45 fatalities. The highest number of crashes occurred on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, while the fewest occurred on Thanksgiving Day.

While responsible driving behavior is critical to keeping Florida's roadways safe, vehicle preparedness also plays an important role in reducing crashes and preventing roadside emergencies during holiday travel.

As Floridians hit the road to attend holiday parties, reunite with family members, and kick off the holiday shopping season, taking a few minutes to prepare your vehicle can make all the difference. Before loading up the car and heading to your destination, ensure your vehicle is road-ready. Tires are your vehicle's first line of defense on the road, and cooler weather can affect their performance. Check your tire pressure, tread depth, and tire age to help ensure your vehicle is prepared for holiday travel. Worn, damaged, or improperly inflated tires can significantly increase the risk of a crash.

Whether through smart driving decisions, proper vehicle maintenance, or simply taking extra time to plan ahead, every traveler has a role to play in making this holiday season safer for everyone on Florida's roadways.

"Arriving safely to your destination is a personal and deliberate choice," said FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner. "Please remember to buckle up, slow down, and Arrive Alive always because the greatest gift is making it home safely to the people who matter most."

"Your Florida State Troopers will be on patrol keeping our highways safe this holiday season. We want you to Arrive Alive at your intended destination," said FHP Colonel Gary Howze. "Make the smart choice before you get behind the wheel. Never drive impaired. Never drive distracted and Arrive Alive."

"Holiday travel is about reaching the people and places that make the season special, and safety should be part of every trip," said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. "Whether traveling across town or across the state, taking time to prepare for the road ahead and making responsible choices behind the wheel can help ensure everyone arrives safely."

"Arriving safely this holiday season starts before you leave home, so check your tire pressure and tread and make sure your vehicle is road ready," said Michele Harris, Public Affairs Director, AAA - The Auto Club Group. "Once you're on the road, stay vigilant, buckle up, put the phone away, obey all traffic laws and never drive impaired. This way, this year's celebrations become cherished memories for years to come."

"Holiday travel means more traffic on Florida's roads whether you're heading to the beach, visiting family, or celebrating close to home. We want everyone to reach their destination safely and make it home to the people who matter most. Florida's sheriffs and our law enforcement partners are working to keep our roadways safe, but drivers have a responsibility, too. Slow down, stay alert, put the phone away, and never drive impaired. Getting there safely is what matters," said Florida Sheriffs Association President and Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods.

"Every holiday season, police officers in Florida must knock on a door to tell a family that someone they love isn't coming home. Nobody in this profession ever gets used to that," said Florida Police Chiefs Association President and Vero Beach Police Chief David Currey. "Almost every one of those crashes didn't have to happen. Put the phone away, slow down, and if you've been drinking, let someone else drive. Our officers will be working throughout the holidays so you can enjoy yours. We want every one of you to get where you're going safely.""

As holiday travel continues to increase across Florida, transportation officials, law enforcement agencies, and safety partners encourage motorists to keep the following tips in mind before heading to their holiday destinations.

Holiday Travel Safety Tips

• Never drive impaired. Alcohol, drugs, a combination of the two, and even some over-the-counter medications can impair your ability to drive safely. If you feel impaired in any way, do not get behind the wheel. It is not worth risking your life or the lives of others.
• Limit distractions. Focus on driving and keep your eyes on the road. No text message, phone call, meal, or other distraction is worth risking your safety. Stay focused on reaching your destination safely.
• Slow down. Speeding kills. With increased Thanksgiving traffic and more vehicles on the road, patience and courtesy can help create a safer driving environment and ensure everyone arrives alive.
• Allow extra travel time. Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Increased congestion and longer travel times can lead to frustration and risky driving behaviors. Leave early, be patient, and give yourself enough time to reach your destination safely.
• Plan your route. If you are traveling across the state, review your route before departing and identify available rest stops, charging stations, or gas stations along the way. Planning ahead can help reduce stress and ensure a smoother journey.
• Prepare your vehicle. Before traveling, ensure your vehicle is in safe operating condition. Check your tires, tire pressure, brakes, fluids, and lights before departing. Also, make sure you have your driver license, proof of insurance, vehicle registration, or rental agreement readily available.

As Floridians gather around tables across the state to celebrate Thanksgiving, FLHSMV and FHP wishes everyone a safe holiday filled with family, food, and gratitude. Travel safely, make responsible choices, and Arrive Alive. For additional informational information, visit FLHSMV.gov/Holiday.