Law Enforcement Cracks Down on Holiday Drunken Driving

News Report

From the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles:

Gov. Rick Scott recently proclaimed December as National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month. As part of Florida’s focus on safe highway travel during the holiday season, the Florida Highway Patrol has joined thousands of other law enforcement and highway safety agencies across the nation in “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,”  a nationwide campaign targeting impaired driving through Jan. 2, 2012.

Impaired driving is one of the deadliest crimes, especially during the holiday period. During the 2010 Christmas and New Year’s holiday travel period, approximately 35 percent of the traffic fatalities in Florida were alcohol related. Motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians who comply with Florida traffic laws and use sound judgment can help make the holiday period safer and less stressful for everyone.

“Impaired driving continues to be a priority for law enforcement in the state, and the Florida Highway Patrol will be intensifying enforcement during the holidays,” said FHP director, Col. David Brierton. “Our goal is to create the safest possible driving environment by modifying driver behavior—and helping drivers make better decisions.”

FHP Auxiliary and Reserve troopers will augment the patrol during the heightened travel periods.

The patrol offers these tips to make your holidays safer:

• Plan ahead
• Use a designated driver
• If you are impaired, call a taxi, use mass transit or call a friend or family member to get you home safely.
• Call *FHP (*347) to report intoxicated or aggressive drivers, or if your vehicle breaks down and you need assistance. To request immediate emergency services, dial 911.

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over 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.