St. Patrick’s Day Traffic Initiative

Charlotte County, FL – March 15, 2022

The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting a traffic initiative during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday and into the weekend. During this campaign, deputies will be highly focused on areas where impaired driving has been statistically prevalent. This will include increased DUI patrols and other enforcement efforts aimed at preventing impaired driving and catching those who make the wrong choice. 

Historically, citations issued for driving under the influence (DUI) and open-container violations are at their highest during the month of March. There were 3,039 DUI citations and 808 open-container citations issued in Florida last March (FLHSMV).

“Between rideshare services and designated drivers, there is absolutely no excuse to drink and drive,” states Sheriff Bill Prummell.

Always keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel and mind on driving. If you do plan on heading out, designate a sober driver or call a ride-share service. Before getting in the car, remember that probably okay, is not okay.

Update: 3/22: This initiative resulted in 7 arrests for DUI, with 13 total charges brought (some additional charges were not related to the DUI).

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AAA and Budweiser are providing “Tow to Go” as a safe alternative to driving impaired. Tow to Go is a free service for both AAA members and non-members, where a tow truck is dispatched to transport the driver and their vehicle home, or a safe place within a 10 mile radius.

Tow to Go services are available through 6:00PM Thursday to 6:00AM Monday. To request service call 855-2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246

https://member.acg.aaa.com/fl/driving-safety/tow-to-go.html

https://www.flhsmv.gov/2022/03/01/flhsmv-public-safety-partners-launch-never-drive-impaired-campaign/