PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is underway, and Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) officers are participating in educating drivers about the dangers of driving while intoxicated.
“According to (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), the latest available statistics are from 2022, and over the course of Labor Day weekend 2022, there were 490 fatal traffic crashes. 39% of those 490 crashes involved an impaired driver,” said FHP Sergeant Nathan Russell.
According to police, a quarter of these 39% had a blood or breath alcohol content of 0.15 or more. That is almost twice the legal limit.
“Driving under the influence is a second degree misdemeanor here in the state of Florida,” Russell said. “At a minimum, you’ll be expected to spend eight hours in jail, sober up, and then appear in court. After that, there will be an arraignment. After that, you’ll be expected to have your license suspended for six months or more, and then you’ll have to pay court and attorney fees.”
It is not only alcohol that can impair your ability to drive.
“Medical marijuana, prescription substances, illegal substances that are out there,” Russell said. “If you take any of those and combine it with a little alcohol, the effects are magnified.”
If you plan on having a drink, it’s smart to have a plan.
“Before you start drinking, make sure you have a safe ride home, either a sober driver or a rideshare program. And if you’re hosting an event, be a responsible host,” Russell said. “Make sure your guests are taken home sober or have a plan to get home safely.”
If you suspect a drunk driver is on the road, call 911.
The campaign started on August 14th and runs until September 2nd.
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