FHP Launches DUI Crackdown

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Floridians with big holiday party plans may want to designate a driver before the fun gets too “spirited.” The Florida Highway Patrol’s annual statewide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign officially kicked off Wednesday, Dec. 14 and is set to run through New Year’s Day.

While troopers and other law enforcement officers are always on the look out for impaired drivers, the campaign kicks things up a few notches.

“All uniformed FHP personnel, including those normally assigned to administrative duties, will be patrolling interstates and other major state roads,” the patrol explained in a media release. The patrol’s auxiliary troopers will also volunteer during the campaign to increase the number of eyes on roads throughout the Sunshine State.

“Impaired driving puts drivers, passengers and pedestrians at risk, and each year it claims the lives of too many people,” said Col. Gene Spaulding, FHP’s director. “Be sure to make the right choice this holiday season and drive sober.”

Between Dec. 16, 2014, and Jan. 1, 2015, 20 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes on Florida roads, according to the highway patrol. A total of 288 alcohol-related crashes were logged during that entire period with 20 percent of them occurring on New Year’s Eve. During the period of Dec. 18, 2015, and Jan. 3, 2016, FHP handled 62 DUI-related incidents.

To help keep Florida’s roads safe, the patrol asks motorists to report impaired or aggressive drivers they encounter. The number to call from a cellphone – after safely pulling over – is *FHP or *347.

As the busy holiday season gets under way, AAA is once again offering rides home for impaired motorists and their vehicles. The Tow To Go program kicks off for the season on Friday, Dec. 23 and runs through 6 a.m. Jan. 2, 2017. For more information about the program, check out this related story.

FHP offers the following tips for avoiding trouble on the road any time of the year:

• Drive sober: Motorists should always designate a driver, call a ride service or stay put until they sober up.
• Pay attention to speed limits: Speed limits change on different types of roads, so motorists are advised to keep their eyes open for signs. As a general rule, Florida speed limits never exceed 70 mph.
• Buckle up: Seat belts should be worn every trip, every time, according to the patrol. Florida law requires all front-seat riders to wear seat belts and any passengers under 18 to wear belts or use appropriate child restraints.
• Pay attention: Motorists should always keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road to avoid potential hazards.

In addition to the state's Drive Sober campaign, local law enforcement agencies typically run DUI operations during the holidays. None have been announced just yet.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol