Fhp Aims To Keep Trick Or Treaters Safe From Drunk Drivers
With a potentially deadly combination of Friday night Halloween Parties serving alcohol and thousands of trick or treaters out after dark, Florida Highway Patrol along with other law enforcement agencies will be stepping up efforts to stop drunk drivers before they can cause harm.
The program called, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over begins Halloween and continues on until November 2nd. Increased visibility of law enforcement and stepped up patrols of targeted locations will be used to discourage driving while impaired.
Col. David Brierton, director of the Florida Highway Patrol stated, “ Halloween falls on a Friday this year which means there are going to be even more parties where alcohol will be served”. Brierton added,”If you drink, designate a sober driver or plan on taking a taxi. Otherwise, the Florida Highway Patrol will gladly give you a ride…to jail.”
Last Halloween's statistics were truly frightening with 181 crashes and 9 fatalities. Troopers also arrested 653 impaired drivers across the state.
Florida Highway Patrol wants everyone to have a safe and fun Halloween and has the following recommendations for those planning on going to Halloween parties:
If you will be drinking select a designated driver ahead of time
If you are the designated driver do not have even one drink
If you have been drinking call a taxi, use public transportation call or a family member to pick you up rather than take a risk
Walking while impaired can also be dangerous so have a sober friend take you home.
Local Bradenton Injury Attorney Bernard F. Walsh had this comment about the FHP's drunk driving crackdown, “At Goldman Babboni and Walsh we personally see the effect drunk drivers can have on the lives of victims, families and themselves. We applaud the Florida Highway Patrol for taking proactive action to reduce the risks on Florida's roads this Halloween.”
