With the Labor Day holiday quickly approaching, it is important for Florida residents to be aware of the heightened law enforcement efforts in place over the weekend. Often, extra police officers will patrol the streets over holiday weekends, seeking out drivers they suspect are under the influence of alcohol. This year in Florida will be no exception.
The Florida Highway Patrol has indicated it will be participating in the national campaign referred to as “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” The campaign was designed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and “focuses on combining high visibility enforcement and heightened public awareness.”
Consequently, over the holiday weekend, Florida residents can expect to see more police officers patrolling the streets, “aggressively look[ing] for impaired drivers,” according to the director of the Florida Highway Patrol. The increased police presence has already begun and is scheduled to continue through Labor Day on September 3.
Despite the heightened enforcement, police officers have reported that budgetary concerns will limit the number of DUI checkpoints seen throughout the state.
Of course, the best option after spending time having drinks with friends and family is to call a taxi or designate a sober driver before the festivities begin. Law enforcement officials have also suggested that those hosting celebrations over the long weekend ensure their guests have a safe and sober way to get home. When a motorist is pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence, however, consulting with a skilled drunk driving attorney can ensure a strong defense is established.
Source: Pine Island Eagle, “Law enforcement agencies target impaired drivers,” August 21, 2012.
Our firm handles situations in which individuals are charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. If you would like to learn more about our practice, please visit our Tampa drunk driving defense page.