Daytona Beach, FL – The crowds might be smaller this Biketoberfest, but what won’t be is the presence of law enforcement.
The Florida Highway Patrol is bringing in 32 troopers from around the state specifically to patrol Volusia County during the annual fall motorcycle rally.
FHP Sergeant Kim Montes says those troopers – part of FHP’s Highway Enforcement Apprehension Team – will focus on the area’s major arteries, including both the interstate highways.
“Troopers hope that the high visibility and zero tolerance of traffic violations will reduce the number of crashes for this year’s event,” Montes added.
Besides I-4 and I-95, FHP will use those troopers to patrol US 92/International Speedway Boulevard, State Road 40/Granada Boulevard, State Road 44 and County Road 415/Tomoka Farms Road.
HEAT troopers will pay special attention to getting impaired drivers off the road as well as making sure traffic flows properly, per Montes.
“Drivers need to take a second look before making left turns and pulling out from side streets or driveways,” Montes noted. “If you drink, do not get on a motorcycle.”
FHP statistics shows 138 crashes involving motorcycles – including 8 traffic fatalities – during the last 3 years of Biketoberfest. That’s including last year when there were 51 traffic accidents, including 3 fatalities.
In a press conference Thursday morning at the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce, Volusia County Sheriff Ben Johnson said his agency is handling this Biketoberfest like in years past, with no special enforcement operations planned.
Johnson also noted that deputies will be keeping a special lookout for impaired and reckless drivers as well as loud motorcycle noises during the 4-day event.
Daytona Beach Police Department Sergeant Jimmie Flynt said during that same press conference that DBPD will be out “in force” using marked and unmarked vehicles during the 4-day event.
Flynt also noted that officers will be keeping a special eye out for motorcycle thieves and urged drivers to be extra cautious while on the road.
Copyright 2015 Southern Stone Communications.