DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Daytona Beach's Bike Week is entering its biggest weekend and already there have been more deaths on the roads this year than in 2010.
There are no DUI checkpoints, but some patrols are looking for just drunk drivers and there is a lot of traffic control for all the people walking around. The problem is there may be more bikers coming in, but law enforcement is maxed out and can't afford to get anyone else out there.
Early Friday, miles from any major motorcycle attractions, traffic was at a standstill on US-1 in Volusia County. Out on the highways, more bikers were motoring in on I-4 and I-95, adding to the crowd.
Bike Week is getting busy as fatal accidents during the event have climbed to six. Three happened in Seminole County and three in Volusia County, including one pedestrian.
However, there have been no fatal wrecks in Daytona Beach. Law enforcement said DUI checkpoints or any stronger enforcement is just not something they can do during the end of the event.
The Flagler County Sheriff's Office said a typical checkpoint takes 15 people to run. They usually have just 17 on the road at one time.
Instead, they'll assign two deputies to look for drivers under the influence coming to Volusia County.
"Most of the time it's passing through traffic and you don't have that influx of traffic like our neighboring county, Volusia does," said Kevin Byrne of the Flagler Co. Sheriff's Office.
In Volusia, Daytona Beach police, the sheriff's office and the highway patrol, all said their manpower would be at the same level as it was the last 8 days.
They also said that spreading out is more effective than just gathering outside busy bars or Bike Week hotspots.
"We look for compliance. We hope that us being out there, it's a deterrent," said Byrne.
Law enforcement and business people have told WFTV that until now, the number of bikers seems to be fewer than last year.