In March 2022, Florida issued over 3,000 citations for DUIs, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). The state's division of the Florida Highway Patrol is partnering with FLHSMV to launch an impaired-driving awareness campaign in March aimed at reducing impaired-driving-related crashes and fatalities. As a popular destination for students and tourists, Florida sees an increase in DUI incidents during March. The Never Drive Impaired campaign aims to educate motorists about the dangers of driving impaired and enforcing laws that protect Florida residents and visitors.
Alcohol consumption during March has led to a significant increase in impaired-driving crashes in Florida. In March 2022, there were 479 alcohol-related crashes on Florida roadways, resulting in 41 fatalities and 41 serious injuries. According to FLHSMV, this was a 3% increase from the previous year. In 2022, there were nearly 5,750 impaired-driving crashes in Florida, and nearly 10% of those occurred in March. The six counties with the highest impaired-driving crashes in March 2022 were Pinellas, Duval, Hillsborough, Lee, Orange, and Manatee. These counties accounted for 37% of the state's impaired-driving crashes in March 2022.
In addition to impaired-driving crashes, FLHSMV stated that driving under the influence (DUI) and open-container violations are at their highest during the month of March. In March 2022, Florida issued 3,013 DUI citations and 647 open-container citations. Impaired driving is not limited to alcohol, and can also involve recreational and pharmaceutical drugs. In March 2022, there were 64 drug-confirmed crashes, and an additional 25 crashes involved both drugs and alcohol, according to FLHSMV.
Under Florida law, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense. The penalties for a DUI conviction are severe, including revocation of the driver's license for a minimum of 180 days, fines ranging from $500 to $5,000, and mandatory DUI school education. Additional penalties may include an ignition interlock device, community service, probation, or imprisonment. DUI convictions remain on the driver's record for 75 years.
Law enforcement officers across Florida are trained to spot the signs of impaired driving and monitor the state's roadways to keep everyone safe. However, every driver also has a responsibility to avoid driving under the influence. By taking personal responsibility and making smart choices, drivers can help prevent DUI-related crashes and protect themselves and others on the road.
For more information on impaired driving and DUI penalties, visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Impaired Driving webpage.
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