Flagler drunk and drugged driving campaign

Public Information Officer Debra Johnson told local St. Johns County reporters with Historic City News that the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has launched an enforcement campaign aimed at removing impaired drivers from the community highways in conjunction with the Governor’s proclamation of December as “Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month.”

“We want our community to be safe during the holidays. Impaired driving is a major cause of death and we are working to identify those drivers and get them from behind the wheel,” said Flagler County Sheriff Donald W. Fleming.

In 2009, alcohol and drugs contributed to 44 percent of the state’s 2,563 fatalities. Drug-related injuries increased by more than 19 percent last year and drug-related crashes increased nearly 11 percent.

Johnson told Historic City News that, overnight, Sheriff’s deputies have made five arrests for impaired driving.

From November 1 to December 17, the Sheriff’s Office made 24 driving impaired arrests. Two directed DUI patrols resulted in 78 traffic stops, 7 driving impaired arrests, one disorderly intoxication arrest, three driving with suspended licenses arrest, and two arrests for possession of marijuana under 20 grams.

“These patrols will continue throughout the New Year holiday. We are serious about keeping this community safe,” Sheriff Fleming said.

The community can assist in this highway safety effort. If you see an impaired driver, you are asked to call (386) 313-4911.