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Holidays bring out the worst in drivers

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By JESSICA BALANZA

jbalanza@tampatrib.com

Published: July 1, 2009

If you are anything like me, this weekend will consist of lots of junk food, family time and fireworks.

Unfortunately, my weekend also will include lots of driving.

I don't normally dread driving, but during holidays I feel like I have to be extra alert and careful.

It seems to me that the level of crazy drivers is heightened. Not to mention there are probably more drunken drivers. If you are driving at night on July Fourth you have to watch for the motorists who are simultaneously checking out the fireworks and driving.

And you can almost expect the traffic on North Dale Mabry Highway and other major roads to be excruciatingly painful.

Although the traffic congestion happens on an almost daily basis, it seems to me that the holidays bring out the worst in drivers.

We get so caught up in the last-minute purchases, or the driving to the airport or even the rushing from work that we forget our driving etiquette come holiday time.

Aside from the usual holiday driving concerns, this Independence Day also will be the beginning of a change. As of June 30, not wearing a seat belt is considered a traffic violation. If you are caught not strapped in to your car, then you could be pulled over and ticketed.

The infraction can cost about $100, which most definitely will put a dent in your fireworks shopping.

My main gripe about driving during a holiday has to be the drinking and driving. There is absolutely no excuse for it.

My rule of thumb is I don't get behind the wheel if I've had an alcoholic drink within three hours of having to drive. Call me paranoid.

If you plan on drinking during the Fourth of July holiday, I suggest you have a backup plan on how to get where you need to go. Select a designated driver, plan a sleepover, call a taxi or contact Zingo Transportation.

Zingo is a service where a driver will chauffer you and you car home. The Zingo driver then gets where he needs to go by utilizing a small motorbike that he folded up in the car's trunk. Cost is a $10 pickup fee, plus $3 a mile. For information, call 1-888-946-4611 or visit www.zingotampa.com.

Watch out for the following roadwork:

•The county is replacing culverts along Lutz-Lake Fern Road between Angel Lane and the Suncoast Parkway from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays through July 22.

•The railroad crossing on Wilsky Boulevard between Linebaugh and Waters avenues is being repaired through July 12. The detour is Waters Avenue to Henderson Road to Linebaugh Avenue.

•Sidewalks are being poured through July 31 along Lake Magdalene Boulevard between Cherry Creek and Taragrove drives.

Send traffic and transportation information, questions or comments to Jessica Balanza at jbalanza@ tampatrib.com or call (727) 451-2342. Follow Jessica on Twitter at www.twit ter.com/JessSteersClear.

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