Impaired Driving Prevention Month
DHSMV campaign of impaired driving prevention
The Impaired Driving Prevention Month is part of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ (DHSMV) Holiday Travel Campaign. Throughout December, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) will educate drivers about the dangers of impaired driving. They will aggressively patrol the state’s roadways to ensure everyone makes it to their destination safely.
For this campaign, the DHSMV is partnering with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), AAA – The Auto Club Group, Florida Sheriffs Association and Florida Police Chiefs Association to inform motorists how dangerous it is to drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. In December 2015 for example, there were 550 drug and/or alcohol-related accidents in Florida, in which 120 people lost their lives.
The DHSMV is committed to ensuring safety on Florida’s roads through education and awareness. There is absolutely no excuse for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and endangering others on the roadways. Motorists must always drive sober to help ensure everyone is able to Arrive Alive, said DHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes.
DHSMV also offered a list with basic tips to ensure that all drivers Arrive Alive this holiday season:
- Drive sober , and only sober: designate a driver or call a ride service.
- Observe and follow all traffic rules and speed limits: in Florida, the limit will never be over 70 mph.
- Use the seatbelt: the Florida law requires that all drivers, all front seat passengers and all passengers under the age of 18 wear seat belts or the appropriate child restraints.
- Focus on driving: drivers should always have their hands on the wheel, eyes on the road and mind on driving. Forget about texting, eating or adjusting the stereo.
The Florida Highway Patrol would like to remind everyone that driving under the influence is never acceptable. Troopers will continue to diligently enforce Florida’s laws related to impaired drivers during this holiday season, said Colonel Gene S. Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol.
You are encouraged to report impaired drivers by dialing *FHP (*347). For more information and additional travel tips, visit: https://www.flhsmv.gov/holidaytravel.
Drive safe!
