Broward County residents should be looking out for DUI checkpoints in the next couple of days. On New Year’s Eve last year, 39 people were killed in traffic accidents in the state of Florida. Of those, 24 were related to alcohol consumption and driving. New Year’s Eve was also second only to Memorial Day, with an average of more traffic deaths per hour than any other day in 2007. Only Labor Day edged out New Year’s Eve with more alcohol-related deaths on the road.å
A Florida Highway Patrol spokesman spoke recently about the high number of deaths on the streets of Florida. “Traditionally, New Year’s Eve is a drinking and driving holiday. On average statewide, we usually have 40 percent of all traffic deaths related to alcohol. During the New Year holiday, we see that spike to about 60 percent,” said Sergeant Jorge Delahoz. The unusually high rates of DUI associated with New Year’s Eve – more than most holidays – have resulted in increased DUI-related patrols.å
South Florida officials have expressed growing concern about the number of DUI-related deaths in Florida on New Year’s Eve and throughout the year. During 2006, Broward County reported 62 alcohol-related deaths in traffic, a figure that made a significant jump to 73 in 2007. Even more disturbingly, Broward County reported 90 such deaths in 2007, a striking rise from 59 in 2006. Organizations like the Safety Council of Broward County have advised drivers to be vigilant about DUI.å
Most people in the Broward County area are already aware that police step up DUI arrests and enforcement during the holiday season. This year, expect police to be out in even higher numbers to prevent DUI-related deaths. In Broward County, more than three times as many the DUI patrol officers will be out as compared to typical nights, in addition to the new four-officer DUI-targeting patrol introduced earlier this year. DUI arrests are expected to be significantly higher than during non-holiday evenings in Fort Lauderdale, Broward, and Fort Lauderdale-Dade Counties. As in Fort Lauderdale, the Broward County Sheriff’s Office has publicized its plans to put more officers on patrol on New Year’s Eve.å
Drivers need to be aware of the high number of DUI checkpoints in Fort Lauderdale, Broward, Fort Lauderdale, and other cities in the area. A DUI arrest can have a tremendous impact on your life well beyond one miserable night in jail.å
Broward DUI Lawyer William Moore advises everyone to have a good time, but be careful when driving this New Year’s Eve. Your safety and the safety of others should be a paramount concern. If you’re in doubt about your ability to drive, try calling 1-800-TAXICAB. The nationwide service provides free listings for cabs companieså
Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney William Moore is a former prosecutor and public defender. If you have been charged with DUI in south Florida, contact William Moore Criminal Defense, P.A., which has an experienced Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyer with offices in Fort Lauderdale-Dade, Broward, and Fort Lauderdale Counties.å
This article should be used for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.å