FHP Continues Labor Day Holiday Drunk Driving Crackdown

September 6, 2010

The Florida Highway Patrol is continuing the national “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.” campaign through the Labor Day holiday. The Patrol is joining thousands of other law enforcement and highway safety agencies across the nation to reduce the number of impaired drivers on Florida’s roadways in an effort to save lives.

“Drunk driving is simply not worth the risk. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but also the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for impaired driving can be significant,” said FHP Director, Colonel John Czernis. “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. Do not take the chance. Remember, if you are over the limit, you can expect to be under arrest.”

The Labor Day holiday caps off the summer season for many, and historically travel increases with people driving to celebrate with friends and family. In addition to the national enforcement campaign, the Patrol has participated in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) during the four-day holiday weekend. The operation involves all 50 state police and highway patrol organizations across the United States.

All uniformed FHP personnel, including those normally assigned to administrative duties, patroled interstates and other major state roads during the four-day holiday period. FHP Auxiliary and Reserve troopers also will volunteer to augment the Patrol this weekend. The Patrol aims to increase its presence throughout Florida in an effort to deter traffic violations and to enhance services to motorists who break down while traveling or who need other assistance. Please remember to dial *FHP (*347) from your cell phone to contact FHP to report an aggressive or impaired driver or to request roadside assistance.

The Patrol reminds motorists that Florida’s primary safety belt law authorizes law enforcement officers to stop and cite motorists solely for failure to buckle up. Also, be sure to move over for stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights on the side of the road. If you are unable to change lanes safely, slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit, or to five mph if the speed limit is 20 mph or less

Comments

3 Responses to “FHP Continues Labor Day Holiday Drunk Driving Crackdown”

  1. Dave on September 6th, 2010 10:38 pm

    Re: B Perry

    Glad to hear you daughter is improving. The sad reality is that the sell of alcohol brings in a lot of tax money. Thats why events on the beach and other alcohol events are welcomed with open arms by our local governments. They don”t care about the end result of people getting killed or injured, it”s all about the almighty dollar. There should be a tax of five dollars on any alcohol sold. That money could be used to help with the expenses that the victims have. They did it with tobacco,why not alcohol?

  2. Horrific on September 6th, 2010 10:51 am

    B Perry

    Sorry about your daughter.

    Your statement is so profound.
    I hope you got through to some of them.

    Thanks

  3. B Perry on September 6th, 2010 8:04 am

    Please don’t drink and drive. August 27th marked the 5th anniversary of a very scary night for our family; at the age of 16 our daughter was hit head on by a driver whose blood alcohol level was .295. Thankfully she survived, she had emergency surgery and will always have the physical scars but it’s the memories that creep up at times that are the hardest. Please consider the innocent people who are driving on the road, and don’t think it won’t happen to you.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive