Expect heavy traffic this holiday season

Sheriff Rick Ramsay is alerting motorists and residents that we are entering one of the busiest times of the year for traffic on U.S. 1.

 

“Traffic at the onset of Christmas and through New Year’s Day is always much busier,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “I know heavy traffic is frustrating for residents and I am committed to keeping traffic flowing normally on U.S. 1, but back-ups are likely to occur.”

 

Residents should also expect backups and delays in known areas, such as those in Islamorada.

 

The Sheriff’s Office will be out in force targeting aggressive drivers and DUI drivers, but motorists should do their part and give themselves extra time. Our partners with the Florida Highway Patrol and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will also be out on patrol.

 

If you live here or are visiting the Keys, please make sure you designate a sober driver or call a taxi or a ride-sharing service if you plan to drink alcohol. In the Keys, where there is one road in and one road out, and few alternatives to U.S. 1 when traveling any distance at all, drunk driving is a particularly dangerous activity. Add to that the large numbers of tourists and the large numbers of bars and restaurants in the Keys and drunk driving can be extremely dangerous.

 

Putting people in jail is not our goal, although we will if necessary. The goal is to prevent people from driving while impaired. Please help us with our goal — keep our roadways safe during this holiday period.