An annual impaired driving campaign has launched in Florida.
This year the initiative called ‘Drive Sober or Game Over’ is focusing on raising awareness of the effects and consequences of driving while impaired.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), its division of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), along with public safety partners, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the Florida Sheriff’s Association (FSA), and the Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA), are taking part in the campaign.
According to the FLHSMV, in 2024, over 10% of impaired driving crashes occurred in March, making it the month with the highest number of such crashes.
However, the organization said that while impaired driving is not the most significant contributing factor in the majority of traffic crashes, one in three fatal traffic crashes is the result of an impaired driver. From 2013 to 2023, impaired driving fatalities represented just over 34% of total fatalities.
“Impaired driving puts everyone at risk and contributes to 1/3 of all traffic fatalities,” said FHP Colonel Gary Howze II.
“Florida State Troopers and other law enforcement partners will be on patrol to arrest those who choose to get behind the wheel impaired. Impaired driving injuries and deaths, as well as arrests are 100% preventable by simply choosing to not drive while impaired.”
