Strapping Engines

At right, this motorist shows another popular trend among drivers on Interstate 75 in Southwest Florida. Instead of buying vehicles with bigger motors, some drivers are just strapping on huge truck engines to the back of their pickups. This offers them superior speed and horsepower, and gives them an edge in rush-hour traffic.

It also allows them to drive on the shoulder area where it's illegal for other drivers.

One for the Road on I-75

In an effort to whet drivers' whistles, the Florida Department of Transportation has taken some unusual steps. Drivers can now visit a number of roadside vendors who offer a startling array of refreshments. The heat in Southwest Florida is often unbearable, so measures such as these should help decrease the number of dehydration cases.

Thank you FDOT!

Sign Instructs on Proper Highway Crossing

This sign along the southern end of Interstate 75 cautions pedestrians that there is a proper way to cross the highway. The sign shows a man with his head down running hard, along with a woman grasping a child's wrist so forcefully that the youngster becomes airborne.

The sign was installed after the Florida legislature determined that many pedestrians were unschooled in the best way to get across four lanes of traffic without incident.

Hopefully, people crossing will take heed: Run very fast in packs of three, keep your head down, and women and children nearer to on-coming traffic. Children should be lightweight and wear tight-fitting clothes to allow for better aerodynamics.

Thank you legislators!

Pre-Positioned Ambulances Make a Difference on I-75

Local emergency services officials have decided recently to pre-position ambulances in strategic locations along Interstate 75 in anticipation of the numerous accidents that are a daily occurrence on this fine stretch of road.

The strategy has paid off, as I-75 continues to be an accident-prone road.

Thank you EMS!

Debris Removal Guy On I-75

This Good Samaritan is frequently seen lumbering along I-75 picking up household goods that fall off peoples' vehicles throughout the week. Bicycles and furniture top the list.

The roadside rubble is becoming increasingly common throughout Florida as residents continue to flee The Sunshine State prior to hurricane season, which begins June 1.

Thank you Mr. Picker-Upper!

Church Near Interstate 75

New Law Allows VIPs Shoulder Driving

Florida highway officials recently passed legislation that allows some drivers to make the emergency shoulder area their very own private lane.



Dubbed "Operation Soft Shoulder," drivers must be Very Important People, and must verify that their time is much more valuable than your Average I-75 Warrior.

This lane is available only during rush hours.