2022
Why We’re Backing the ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign
Jim Jenkins / 0 Comments /According to the Department of Transport, 1 person is killed every 52 minutes in a drunk driving crash, adding up to more than 10,000 lives lost every year. Around the Labor Day holidays, we typically see an increase in drunk driving.
Now, that’s a sobering thought, especially when we stop and think that all of these deaths and injuries are preventable.
August 17th to September 6th sees the return of the ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign, and we’re on board with the important message it spreads. Let’s have fun out there and get home safely.
The campaign was set up to educate us all about the dangers and consequences of drunk driving. We’ve blogged before on the Florida statistics when it comes to drunk driving, how drinking affects our driving and the Florida laws that are in place.
To mark this campaign, let’s explore the consequences of drunk driving and how we can party responsibly.
The consequences of drunk driving
Drunk driving is a deadly crime, and the cost is steep. Before you down that beer and reach for the car keys, consider what could happen:
- You could seriously hurt or kill somebody. Could you live with that?
- A DUI, on average, will set you back about $10,000 – that’s between fines, towing, bond, and legal fees.
- Charges will range from misdemeanors to felony offenses.
- You could have your license revoked.
- Your car insurance will skyrocket.
- You could total your car.
- You could serve a minimum of 72 hours of jail time following arrest, and up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
- Florida statute requires an ignition interlock device to be installed on the vehicles of persons convicted of a DUI, this device only starts when the driver can produce a satisfactory breath sample.
Party responsibly
This Labor day, and every day, let’s all do the right thing. We love to unwind and have fun, so follow these steps to party responsibly.
- If you’re going out and know you’ll have a drink, have a plan in place – a friend who’s the designated driver, or book a cab.
- Always wear your seatbelt.
- Don’t allow a friend to drive if you know they’ve had a drink
- Never accept a ride from someone who’s had a drink.
- Report an impaired driver by calling 911.
Serving and protecting
Recently in the headlines, we learned of a drunk driver driving a golf cart on Florida’s busiest interstate, I-95, with an open bottle of Jack Daniels. Thanks to the police arriving on the scene to arrest the woman, no one was hurt.
It’s examples like this that make us realize how grateful we are to local law enforcement. We want to take a minute to thank the police officers who are out there day and night, sometimes seeing the horrific aftermath of drunk driving, always trying to prevent serious injury and death. Their goal is to stop drunk drivers and they work tirelessly to protect us.
Every year, Florida law enforcement agencies join the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to address the dangers of drunk driving and raise public awareness. This time of year, the police will be out in force, cracking down and saving lives. We see you, and we appreciate you.
A driving force for justice in Florida
Sadly, we know only too well the damage that a drunk driver can cause because we’ve helped countless clients to fight for justice and rebuild their lives. Anyone who’s been the victim of a drunk or distracted driver will know the devastation of lost life, serious injury, mounting medical bills, emotional distress, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
When you need a determined legal team at the wheel, Jenkins Law P.L has the compassion and experience to fight for you. Stay safe and stay in touch.
