Florida Highway Patrol announces holiday enforcement
Drunk driving is one of the deadliest crimes. In 2008, 1,169 people died in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes in Florida. That is 39 percent of all traffic crash fatalities in the state. Earlier this month, Gov. Charlie Crist proclaimed December to be Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. As part of the state’s focus on safe highway travel during the holiday season, the Florida Highway Patrol will join thousands of other law enforcement and highway safety agencies across the nation to take part in Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. The nationwide campaign aims to crackdown on impaired driving, beginning tomorrow through Jan. 3, 2010.
The Florida Highway Patrol will use zero tolerance enforcement strategies to target impaired drivers, as well as those violating other traffic laws that put themselves and other motorists at risk. Motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians who comply with our state’s traffic laws and use sound judgment can help make the holiday period safer and less stressful.
“We will be out in full force conducting sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols to remove drunk drivers from the roads, ultimately saving lives that might otherwise be lost,” said FHP Director, Colonel John Czernis. “If a trooper catches you drinking and driving, he/she will arrest you. Violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver license, higher insurance rates, attorney fees, time away from work and dozens of other expenses. So do not take the chance. Remember, if you are over the limit, you are under arrest.”
Every sworn member of the Florida Highway Patrol will work a shift this month to target those driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In addition, FHP Auxiliary and Reserve troopers will augment the Patrol during the heightened travel period. Troopers work hard to keep you safe, so do your part drive responsibly!
Motorists are urged to contact FHP or local law enforcement officials to report an impaired, aggressive or dangerous driver by dialing *FHP (*347) from a cell phone. Callers may remain anonymous. Motorists who experience car trouble on the highway or otherwise need assistance from the FHP are also encouraged to call *FHP.
Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. is a deterrence program organized by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that focuses on combining high-visibility enforcement with heightened public awareness. For more information on the campaign, visit www.Stopimpaireddriving.org.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles provides highway safety and security through excellence in service, education and enforcement. The Department is leading the way to a safer Florida through the efficient and professional execution of its core mission: the issuance of driver licenses, vehicle tags and titles and operation of the Florida Highway Patrol. To learn more about DHSMV and the services offered, visit www.flhsmv.gov.