With the long New Year’s weekend kicking off for many tonight at 5, the Florida Highway Patrol and other local law enforcement agencies aim to make their presence known.
FHP is participating in National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month activities, and troopers want to remind motorists to take care behind the wheel.
“New Year’s is a party-type holiday,” Sgt. Steve Gaskins acknowledged. “We want to remind people that even during your celebrations you have to make plans ahead of time. We don’t want to mix alcohol and motor vehicles.”
Gaskins suggests that anyone going out this weekend or on Monday, which is New Year’s Eve, come up with a plan to get home safely.
“Plan for a designated driver, party at home or plan to party at places where you don’t have to drive home,” he said.
And for those who don’t?
“(We’ll) have as many extra patrols out there as possible,” he said. “People (need to know) if they go out there and are drinking and driving, we’ll remove (them) from the highway as necessary.”
Local law enforcement agencies have also promised to step up DUI enforcement through the holiday. The Pasco Sheriff's Office set up a DUI check point at Congress Street south of Ridge Road in Port Richey at 8 p.m. Friday.
How to Report Impaired Drivers
Gaskins said sober motorists can also do their part to keep the roadways safer by calling *FHP on their cell phones to report impaired motorists on the roads. He said callers should be as descriptive as possible when they call in a report. Details should include a vehicle description, tag numbers and the direction of travel.
See Also:
Florida DUIs By the Numbers
