FHP Cracks Down On Drunk Driving Now Through Labor Day

September 2, 2010

The Florida Highway Patrol is participating in the national “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.” campaign through Labor Day. 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 campaign encompasses the Labor Day holiday weekend, which begins September 3. The 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 will participate 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, will patrol 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

7 Responses to “FHP Cracks Down On Drunk Driving Now Through Labor Day”

  1. question on September 3rd, 2010 7:58 pm

    what about the one car wrecks that no one else is involved in and someone else tells that they are driving to keep the drunk from a DUI. I wish that the cops could catch these people. These people should get in more trouble than the drunk. It happen when I was a teen in the late late 70s.. It is still happens. I think if a person gets caught One DUI take licences for ever.

  2. Concerned Century Citizen on September 3rd, 2010 1:19 pm

    I hope these Highway Patrol Officers are in vehicles we normal nondrinking motorists recognize. I’m not pulling over in the dark unless it does look like an official car. Some officers pull people over I think because there’s a betting pool on who gives the most citations. Far, too many times, I’ve seen officials drive way too fast and are only going to a restaurant. Non drinkers be wary and pay close attention if someone is trying to stop you, anyone can purchase one of those things that goes on top of a vehicle (siren) I guess. Be safe on all accounts. Not only the drunks but the ones who say they are out to protect us.

  3. David Huie Green on September 3rd, 2010 10:54 am

    see, you’re getting into the spirit of the thing

    David needing a sledge hammer and a radio monitor

  4. Just An Old Soldier on September 2nd, 2010 10:50 pm

    So that’s….

    David not having one, just wondering

  5. Angi♫ on September 2nd, 2010 8:43 pm

    Personally I feel they need to do this all of the time and not just around holidays…

  6. David Huie Green on September 2nd, 2010 11:11 am

    need a harpoon?

    don’t have one, just wondering

  7. Just An Old Soldier on September 2nd, 2010 10:51 am

    Sure wish they’d get out in the Bay for a crack down on drunk boating – had some real special people zipping by my little boat while the were just a little too touched by their favorite adult beverage…cheers!

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News