A campaign has been launched in Florida warning of the dangers of driving impaired.
Every spring, Florida becomes a popular warm-weather destination for students and tourists but according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), March has also historically shown increased DUIs on the State’s roadways.
Along with Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), FLHSMV is spearheading an impaired-driving awareness campaign aimed at reducing impaired-driving-related crashes and fatalities across the state.
Around the slogan ‘Impairment is No Illusion,’ the Never Drive Impaired campaign focuses on making conscious choices that encourage safety when behind the wheel.
“As a state built on freedom, Florida welcomes people to visit, travel, and enjoy the best our state has to offer,” said FLHSMV Director Dave Kerner.
“We are a state that puts public safety and order first, and so there are no excuses when it comes to driving while impaired. Impaired driving – whether from alcohol or drugs – has real consequences, and the Florida Highway Patrol will look for and punish those caught breaking the law.”
In March 2022, alcohol was confirmed in 479 crashes in Florida – a three per cent increase from 2021 – resulting in 41 deaths and 41 serious bodily injuries.
Of the 5,746 impaired-driving crashes – those influenced by drugs, alcohol, or a combination of both – in Florida in 2022, nearly 10 per cent (568) occurred in March.
