Traffic Safety Still an Issue

Many northbound drivers were stuck in traffic on I-75 this morning after a dump truck carrying a load of gravel overturned and required a major cleanup and lengthy repair effort to the interstate. Fortunately the driver wasn't injured, but the statistics so far this year show motorists are at serious risk on our roads. As of the end of August, there have been 38 traffic fatalities in all of Sarasota County this year and some 7,316 traffic crashes. Both of those numbers are up significantly year to date. We can't stress it enough - avoid distractions and drive safely. Deputies will continue to be vigilant about dangerous driving, speeding and red light runners, but we would rather everyone placed a priority on being safe behind the wheel.