TALLAHASSEE — Col. John Czernis, director of the Florida Highway Patrol, today announced the preliminary results of the recently completed statewide traffic enforcement initiative, Operation CARE (Combined Accident Reduction Effort), which FHP conducted during the 72-hour period on July 3 – 5. During the period, FHP focused on violations for speed, failure to buckle up, and driving under the influence in an effort to minimize the number of crashes and fatalities on interstate highways during holiday weekend.Initial reports indicate that Operation CARE resulted in 4,548 speeding citations, 1,928 safety belt-related offenses, and 98 DUIs arrests. In addition, troopers assisted 2,443 motorists. While the operation successfully targeted enforcement action on drivers who put themselves and other motorists at risk, FHP reported 19 fatalities and 66 alcohol-related crashes during the holiday period. All available troopers participated in the heightened enforcement effort, to include Auxiliary and Reserve troopers. They used RADAR, LASER, motorcycles, marked and unmarked vehicles, and aircraft to identify violators. The Patrol also used DUI checkpoints and roving teams to remove drunk drivers from the streets.The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles provides highway safety and security through excellence in service, education and enforcement. The Department is leading the way to a safer Florida through the efficient and professional execution of its core mission: the issuance of driver licenses, vehicle tags and titles and operation of the Florida Highway Patrol. To learn more about DHSMV and the services offered, visit www.flhsmv.gov.