2019

~Designate a sober driver during this holiday weekend~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Fourth of July is considered one of the busiest travel holidays of the year. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) urges everyone to use caution when traveling on Florida roads this weekend for a safe and enjoyable Independence Day. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) reminds motorists to make sure their vehicle is road-ready, buckle up and never drive impaired.

“The Florida Highway Patrol will continue our commitment to ensuring Florida’s roadways are safe by increasing our patrol efforts this holiday weekend,” said Colonel Gene S. Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “Remember to plan ahead before traveling to your destination and be patient on our busy highways so everyone can Arrive Alive.”

In July 2018, there were 74,965 people involved in a crash in Florida and 2,943 DUIs. Almost 10% of those DUIs last July occurred July 4-5. Nearly all of the drug and alcohol confirmed crashes in July 2018 resulted in a fatality. FHP troopers will be conducting enforcement operations throughout the holiday weekend which target aggressive and impaired drivers statewide.

FLHSMV offers the following driving safety tips for this year’s Fourth of July weekend:

• Never drive impaired and designate a sober driver. Remember, even one drink increases the risk of a crash while driving. Do not let anyone who has been drinking get behind the wheel, including you.
• Always buckle up. A seatbelt is your vehicle’s most important safety feature.
• Stay focused on driving and do not drive distracted. Distracted driving is extremely risky behavior and focused attention on driving helps to prevent crashes.
• Travelers should use caution when traveling during times of low visibility, especially at night.
• Call *FHP (*347) or dial 911 to report drunk drivers, traffic crashes, stranded or disabled motorists, or suspicious incidents on the road.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) provides highway safety and security through excellence in service, education and enforcement. FL is leading the way to A Safer Florida through the efficient and professional execution of its core mission: the issuance of driver licenses, vehicle tags and titles and operation of the Florida Highway Patrol. To learn more about FLHSMV and the services offered, visit https://www.flhsmv.gov, follow us on Twitter @FLHSMV, find us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram.

This year, the FLHSMV celebrates its 50th anniversary and its Division of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) commemorates its 80th year. Learn more at flhsmv.gov/behindthedrive.