FLHSMV launches Never Drive Impaired campaign, discusses DUI dangers.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

Florida, known for its warm weather and popular spring break destinations, is unfortunately known for its high propensity of DUIs on Florida roadways during March. According to data analysis by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), alcohol-confirmed crashes in March rose by 7% from the previous year, and six of Florida's most populous counties, Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Hillsborough, Orange, and Duval, account for half of the impaired-driving crashes in the state.

Driving impaired has real consequences that negatively impact thousands of Floridians each year, which caused FLHSMV and its division of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) to spearhead an impaired-driving awareness campaign throughout March, titled "Impairment is No Illusion," which will focus on making conscious choices that encourage safety when behind the wheel.

"As a state built on freedom, Florida welcomes people to visit, travel, and enjoy the best our state has to offer. We are a state that puts public safety and order first. There are no excuses when it comes to driving while impaired," said FLHSMV Director Dave Kerner. "Impaired driving - whether from alcohol or drugs - has real consequences, and the Florida Highway Patrol will look for and punish those caught breaking the law."

In 2022, there were 88,494 impaired-driving crashes in Florida, 41% of which occurred in March. FLHSMV data analysis has determined that six of Florida’s sixty-four counties accounted for 51% of Florida’s impaired-driving crashes in March.

According to a release, the goal of the FLHSMV is to help reduce impaired driving-related crashes and fatalities across the state by promoting safe driving practices and encouraging drivers to make conscious choices to ensure their safety and the safety of others when behind the wheel.

Impaired driving is not limited to alcohol; it could also involve recreational and pharmaceutical drugs. In March 2022, 64 crashes were drug-confirmed, and another 25 involved drugs and alcohol. Unlike alcohol, there is no specific impairment limit with marijuana. Marijuana affects everyone differently, can remain in a person’s system much longer than alcohol, and is the most prevalent drug in teenagers and young adults involved in crashes in Florida.

Through the combined efforts of FLHSMV and FHP, the state of Florida hopes to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving and reduce the number of DUIs on its roadways.