INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The holiday season is a time for parties and social get togethers with family and friends. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when more impaired motorists are on our highways.
The Florida Highway Patrol is urging Floridians to be responsible this holiday season and don’t drink and drive. In a continuing effort to make our roads safer, FHP has announced it will join with agencies from across the nation and increase its law enforcement efforts on impaired drivers as part of this month’s national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign through Jan. 1, 2014.
Driving while impaired is a crime that seriously risks your safety and the safety of those around you. Even having one drink and then driving is not worth causing a traffic crash, serious injury, or worse: death.
Last year in Florida, more than 800 people lost their lives due to alcohol related traffic crashes.
“The holiday period is a time for celebration, but it’s also a time when our roads become more dangerous and deadly. The patrol does not tolerate impaired drivers on our road. We will be happy to introduce you to new ‘bartenders’ if you drive while impaired,” said Col. David Brierton, director of the Florida Highway Patrol.
These tips will help protect your family, your friends, and yourself on the road:
Plan ahead. If you will be drinking, do not plan on driving. Designate a sober driver or find another safe way home. Even one drink increases the risk of a crash while driving a motor vehicle.
If you are impaired, find another way home. Use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.
Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, do not let them get behind the wheel. If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save someone’s life, and inaction could cost a life.
