Highway Patrol targets drunk and drugged driving

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi announced to local Historic City News reporters in St Augustine today that she is teaming up with Julie L. Jones, executive director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, to promote sober driving during the holiday season.

The Florida Highway Patrol will participate in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” impaired driving crackdown between December 12, 2012 and January 1, 2013, according to its director, Colonel David Brierton.

“In St Johns County, the Patrol will be out in full force to help save lives, and we are not going to tolerate impaired driving,” Brierton said.

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, call 911. Your actions may save someone’s life, and inaction could cost a life.

The Christmas and New Year’s Day holiday bring a somber reminder of the loved ones they lost to an impaired driver for thousands of families across Florida.

“December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, and I encourage drivers across the state to act responsibly this holiday season,” Bondi told Historic City News. “Those who drive under the influence endanger everyone on the road and will go to jail.”