Sarasota DUI Crackdown Announced

SARASOTA, FL — Motorists with big party plans as the Labor Day holiday nears will want to think twice before getting behind the wheel impaired. The Sarasota Police Department has announced it is joining law enforcement agencies across the state and nation in cracking down on impaired driving.

The national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign runs now through Labor Day, Sept. 5. Sarasota police say they intend to have zero tolerance for drunk driving. The national campaign is staged annually to coincide with the Labor Day holiday because of its strong association with drunk driving crashes.

"Our officers are committed to ensuring a safe Labor Day weekend for the residents and visitors to the City of Sarasota," said Sarasota Capt. Kevin Stiff, Patrol Division Commander. "Drunk driving is not a victimless crime and our officers will be on the lookout for drunk drivers.”

To avoid a run-in with law enforcement, the police department recommends motorists plan ahead. If a driver is impaired, it’s best to ask a sober friend, call a taxi or use Uber.

“It's illegal in every state to drink and drive," Stiff said. “The safest thing to do is to only drive sober. If you plan on drinking, let someone else do the driving. Being arrested for driving drunk, or injuring someone while driving drunk, is not the way to celebrate.”

AAA and Bud Light also plan to team up for the Tow-To-Go program between Sept. 2 and Sept. 5. The number to call for assistance is 1-800-2-TOW-2-GO.

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