Warning Issued Over Highway Attacks : Crime: Motorists are urged to avoid a stretch of Interstate 295 in northern Florida, where police say 19 vehicles have been hit.

The American Automobile Assn. is warning motorists to avoid a heavily traveled stretch of Interstate 295 in northern Florida because of sniper attacks and other incidents.

The 10-mile stretch of interstate encircles downtown Jacksonville and is used by an estimated 80,000 motorists daily, many of them tourists.

Police have said that since July at least 19 vehicles have been hit with gunfire, bricks or concrete chunks along the highway. One driver died on July 4 when he was hit in the head with a piece of concrete and lost control of his car. A woman was shot in the jaw in another incident.

The automobile group, which provides travel assistance as well as maps for members, had previously urged motorists to use caution on the interstate. But the recommendation issued Thursday urges drivers to avoid the highway altogether and take alternate routes.

Motorists also were cautioned to make sure that their cars have full tanks of gasoline before traveling in the area, and to avoid stopping on nearby roadways.

Last year, more than 1.3 million automobile club members requested travel maps that included the Jacksonville area, automobile club spokesman Geoff Sundstrom said.

“We do understand the concerns of the tourism industry, but safety of our members comes first,” Sundstrom said. “We’re hopeful for as quick a resolution of this problem as possible.”

State officials and some business owners expressed concern that the unusual warning will harm Florida’s image on the eve of the winter tourist season, although the state’s own visitors center is advising motorists to avoid the road.

Authorities say they believe that more than one person may be responsible for the series of attacks. No arrests have been made.

The Duval County sheriff’s office reported that investigators have been hampered in their search for the snipers because attacks have occurred at various times and throughout a wide area.

Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles said Thursday that he would create a law enforcement task force in an effort to make the highway safer.