Aug 29, 2008 11:51 pm US/Eastern
FHP Steps Up Enforcement During Labor Day Weekend
The FHP will participate in the National Drunk Driving.
Over the Limit. Under Arrest.
MIAMI SHORES (CBS4) ―
Troopers, deputies and police officers from Miami-Dade and Broward counties will join forces Labor Day weekend with over 12,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide to combat drunk and impaired driving.
The officers have a very important message to share: "If you're intoxicated, you have choices. Take a taxi… or you may be taken away in a cop car, or by ambulance or hearse."
On Saturday, August 30th over 200 South Florida law enforcement officers will take part in Hands Across the Border, the largest DUI checkpoint and roadblock in Florida's history. The aggressive tactic will take place on 441 at County Line Road. Other checkpoints will be scattered across South Florida during the weekend.
Barry University hosted the checkpoint kickoff and provided a sobering site: 50 crosses put up in memory of DUI victims known by members of the school community.
The move is being applauded by activists, victims, and families. Paul Ruddock was hit by a drunk driver four years ago on the night of his prom. His message to anyone drinking and driving, "You drink, you drive, you lose."
3,214 people died in Florida in drunk driving accidents in 2007. That's down from 3,250 in 2006, according to the U.S. Transportation Department.
Robin Katzenstein lost her 15-year-old daughter, Lauren, five years ago to someone drinking and driving. Lauren was riding her bicycle for a benefit for Multiple Sclerosis.
Now, Robin's an activist who hopes the numbers will continue to drop. She told
CBS4 Reporter Peter D'Oench, "Life is all about choices. And people make choices that have an effect on other people….and they lose lives."
Motorists are encouraged to call *FHP (*347) on their cellular phone to report drunk, aggressive, or other dangerous drivers. Callers can remain anonymous.
Motorists who experience car trouble on the highway or otherwise need assistance from the FHP are also encouraged to use *FHP.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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