Speeders and Holiday party-goers, beware! To help save lives this holiday season, DeFuniak Springs Police is launching a special “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” crackdown to stop impaired drivers and speeders in order to save lives on our roadways.
DeFuniak Springs Police said its Officers will be aggressively looking for impaired drivers and speeders this holiday season. Enforcement efforts will include directed patrols to identify and stop impaired drivers and speeders. The special enforcement crackdown will run from December 12, 2012, through January 1, 2013.
“Lots of folks will be out during this busy holiday season, enjoying themselves and the holiday festivities, and we want everyone to be safe on our roadways.” said Chief Mark A. Weeks, City Marshal. “That’s why we will be stepping up enforcement to catch and arrest impaired drivers as well as ticketing speeders. Please be forewarned. If you are caught drinking and driving impaired, you will be arrested. No warnings. No excuses.”
During 2010, more than 10,000 people were killed nationwide in motor vehicle traffic crashes involving an impaired driver.
“No one ever thinks that their holiday celebration will end in jail, or worse, in a hospital or the morgue,” said Chief Weeks. “But for those who include alcohol in their celebrations and then get behind the wheel, this is often the case.”
It is illegal in Florida to drive with a B.A.C.(blood alcohol content) of .08 or higher. Violators could face jail time, loss of driver license, and steep financial consequences such as higher insurance rates, attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work, and the potential loss of job.
There are three simple steps people can take to stay safe and out of trouble:
1. Plan ahead. Leave in time to make it safely while obeying the speed limit. If you will be drinking, do not plan on driving. Designate a sober driver or find another safe way home. Even one too many drinks increases the risk of a crash while driving a motor vehicle.
2. If you are impaired, find another way home. Use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member.
3. 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, call 911 or 892-8513 to report them. Your actions may save someone’s life, and inaction could cost a life.
We want everyone to enjoy their holidays, but we also want our roadways to be safe. “We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season,” said Chief Weeks.
For more information, visit the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaign Headquarters at www.nhtsa.gov/drivesober.