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Jul 3, 2009 5:45 pm US/Eastern
Authorities Target Drunk Drivers Over Weekend
(CBS4)
Police and Florida Highway Patrol deputies will be out in full-force during the 4th of July holiday weekend targeting drunk drivers. Most of the action by authorities will be in conjunction with the "Fourth of July Impaired Driving Wave" issued by the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration.
By Friday afternoon, some drivers felt free enough to speed. An FHP trooper found that Robert Pierre was driving 86 mph on a highway where the limit is 65 mph.
"Hopefully, next time I will watch my speed a lot more just to avoid what just happened," Pierre told
CBS4's Ted Scouten.
Pierre will have to pay $280. And because he was caught in Broward, his fine is $15 more.
Troopers were also looking out for drivers without seatbelt. The new law that just went into effect allows officers to issue tickets. Among those caught was Jillian Kapras who said she often forgets to buckle up.
"It's a bad habit," Kapras said.
But the more than $100 fine she received Friday might help her remember.
"I should put it on, I'm going to put it on more often," Kapras said.
The thinking behind the plans is to increase visibility in order to deter anyone who might consider drinking and driving for fear they will get caught.
"The police officers know first hand the terrible injuries and deaths that take place as a result of driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics; therefore, they will be using a zero tolerance policy with anyone driving intoxicated or not wearing their seatbelts" said Doral Chief of Police, Ricky Gómez.
In Doral, the police department will have a Multi-Agency DUI Sobriety Checkpoint and Saturation Patrol initiative on Friday, July 3, 2009, at the SE corner of NW 36th Street and 87th Avenue from 7:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. Other DUI checkpoints around South Florida can be expected as well.
But it won't only be drinking and driving officers will be watching for; they'll also be watching out for drivers not wearing their seat belt. Florida's new mandated seat-belt law went into effect on June 30, and since then authorities and the press have been warning drivers about the law and the penalties.
Drivers pulled over for violating the seat belt law in Miami-Dade County will be fined $114, in Broward the ticket is $100. No points will be applied to a driver's record. The National Highway Safety Administration has estimated the new law will save 124 lives and prevent 1,733 serious injuries in Florida every year.
AAA has offered their Tow-to-Go service which provides a free confidential ride home and tow to anyone in a bar or restaurant who may have had too much to drink simply by calling 1-800-AAA-HELP.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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