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FDOT Watching Roads During Busy Holiday Weekend

FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) -- The Florida Department of Transportation is working hard to make sure travelers stay safe on the roads across South Florida and the rest of the Sunshine State during the long Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

AAA says more than 2 million people will take to Florida's roads between Wednesday and Sunday.

Officials with Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Highway Patrol and AAA gathered at FDOT in Fort Lauderdale Tuesday to provide tips and recommendations for a safe holiday on the roadway.

CBS4's Kara Kostanich got a glimpse inside the FDOT SMART SunGuide Transportation Management Center in Fort Lauderdale where more than 200 cameras provide live pictures for FDOT employees who monitor traffic and congestion all over Broward and Palm Beach Counties.

"Millions will take to Florida roadways during the Thanksgiving holiday," said Elizabeth Birriel, Intelligent Transportation Systems Program Manager, FDOT. "We encourage travelers to plan ahead by using Florida's 511 traffic resources to identify the best routes and ensure they give themselves enough time to reach their destinations safely."

For traffic updates travelers can call 511 toll free, visit FL511.com, download the app or follow 511 on Twitter. You can also create custom alerts on FL511.com. Users can register their route online to hear information on that route first when calling 511. Travelers can also register to receive traffic alerts via phone call, text message or email.

FDOT is asking travelers to check 511 before traveling or have a passenger check 511 while on the road or pull over to avoid distracting driving.

FHP says they will be out in force making sure motorists follow the law this Thanksgiving holiday.

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