TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – The Tallahassee Police Department launched the annual impaired driving awareness campaign, citing an increase in DUI-related crashes during the holiday season.
The initiative is part of the nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, which began Dec. 12 and runs through Jan. 1.
Detective Michael Carter with TPD said the department typically sees an uptick in DUI arrests and impaired driving crashes around the holidays, prompting increased patrols and traffic stops across the city.
“If you drive impaired, you’re going to get pulled over, and likely you’re going to go to jail,” Carter said.
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Data from the Tallahassee Police Department shows that between Nov. 15, 2023, and Jan. 15, 2024, officers responded to 13 DUI-related crashes involving property damage or personal injury. During the same period, one year later, from Nov. 15, 2024, to Jan. 15, 2025, that number rose to 17 crashes. Police also reported two DUI-related traffic fatalities during the most recent period.
Carter said there are life-changing risks that come with getting behind the wheel impaired. “You have to deal with the consequences, and if you get into a crash and take someone’s life, that’s something you’ll have to live with,” said the detective.
Additionally, it can cost $10,000 or more to cover legal fees and expenses.
As part of the enforcement effort, officers are watching for common signs of impairment, including swerving, tailgating, speeding and excessive braking.
Carter said local trends mirror national data. Between 2019 and 2023, more than 5,000 traffic fatalities nationwide were linked to impaired driving, with more than 1,000 of those deaths occurring in December alone, according to data cited by TPD.
Police say the goal of the campaign is to prevent accidents and encourage drivers to make safe choices before getting behind the wheel.
“There are responsible options available, like getting a ride,” Carter said. “The goal is to make sure everyone gets home safely and to prevent the serious risks that come with drunk driving.”
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