DUI Wolfpack Set To Prowl

LAND O’ LAKES, FL — Tampa Bay area residents and visitors with big party plans over the Labor Day weekend will want to think twice about drinking too much and getting behind the wheel. The Florida Highway Patrol has announced a multi-day DUI Wolfpack detail intended to keep impaired motorists off local roads.

According to the agency, the wolfpack will run from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. from Sept. 1-4. Law enforcement officers from Troop K, which is based in Land O’ Lakes, intend to focus their efforts on roads in Pasco, Hillsborough, Polk and Hernando counties.

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Motorists can expect to see an enhanced law enforcement presence on such roadways as the Suncoast Parkway, Veterans Expressway and Polk Parkway, the agency noted in an email to media.

“Everyone is reminded to not drink and drive and to plan in advance for events where alcoholic beverages are being consumed,” the agency’s email said.

Motorists are considered impaired in Florida when they have blood alcohol content levels of .08 or higher. Underage drivers are considered impaired with BACs of .02 or higher. The patrol and other law enforcement agencies strongly urge motorists to designate a driver, use a ride service or simply to stay put if they drink too much to get behind the wheel.

Motorists who encounter impaired or aggressive drivers are asked to pull over to safe spots to call *FHP from their cellphones.

AAA is running its Tow To Go service over the long weekend to help impaired motorists make it home safety. To find out more, check out this related story: Tow To Go Revs Up For Labor Day Weekend.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol