MANATEE -- The Florida Highway Patrol will be stepping up enforcement New Year’s Eve in areas known for having high concentrations of crashes due to impaired drivers, Lt. Chris Miller said.
The DUI Wolfpack Operation will begin 6 p.m. Dec. 31. and last until 4 a.m. throughout Manatee County.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office will also have deputies out around the same time and will focus most of there efforts in areas around bars, according to Sheriff Brad Steube.
Law enforcement will also be looking for those who are speeding, seat belt violations and aggressive driving violations.
In 2009 there were 398 alcohol related crashes in Manatee County resulting in 296 injuries and 17 fatalities, according to FHP.
There is a zero tolerance policy for impaired drivers in Florida and those convicted could face fines and jail time.
Miller advises drivers should pay attention while on the roads, eliminate distractions such as the radio or cellphone conversations and to dial *347 (FHP) if they witness anyone driving erratically.
Both Steube and Miller recommend those who are impaired to take call Tow To GO at 1-800-222-4357 (AAA-HELP), a free tow service offered by AAA. The program is co-sponsored by Gold Coast Eagle Distributors and is available daily now through Jan. 2.
“That Tow To Go is excellent,” Miller said. “A lot of people are afraid to call a taxi or get a ride from a friend because they don’t want to leave their car overnight.”
With this service the vehicle and driver are both given a lift.
