As millions of motorists hit the roads to travel over the Fourth of July weekend, transportation officials are working behind the scenes and around the clock to make sure people arrive safely to their destinations.
Workers at the Florida Department of Transportation's Traffic Management Center in Orlando work around the clock as they monitor road conditions by checking sensors positioned on the roads, check in with Road Rangers and view transportation cameras positioned high above the asphalt throughout the area.
The workers at the traffic center then funnel the information through the Florida 511 website, which is the official information source for the Florida Department of Transportation.
Drivers can check real-time conditions on websites, Twitter, Facebook, download mobile apps are sign up for text alerts.
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"There are a lot of things going on in Central Florida," said Mike Wacht, of Florida 511. "It's a good idea to check 511, know where the hotspots are out on the highways, you know, find a way around them."
From fireworks shows to the races at Daytona International Speedway, the holiday weekend is expected busy, which means congestion on the roadways.
Florida Highway Patrol troopers will be out in full force in order to keep people safe. Impaired drivers will be a top priority.
Sgt. Kim Montes, of the Florida Highway Patrol, said crash rates rise during holidays. Another issue, Montes said, is when motorists stop along I-4 to watch the fireworks.
"First of all, it's against the law," Monte said. "You cannot park along the interstate unless you have an emergency: flat tire, car broken down, medical emergency. So, we will have troopers up there making sure drivers don't stop. ... Do not stop up there unless it's an emergency."
Transportation officials said traffic will likely start to pick up Thursday night and last through the weekend.
Motorists will also pay a bit more at state toll roads this summer, as rates for SunPass users and toll-by-plate users go up by more than 1.5 percent starting July 1. Traveling the entire length of the turnpike will rise from $20.07 to $20.41 for SunPass users.