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. <\/p>\n
The initiative is part of the nationwide \u201cDrive Sober or Get Pulled Over\u201d campaign, which began Dec. 12 and runs through Jan. 1. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you drive impaired, you\u2019re going to get pulled over, and likely you\u2019re going to go to jail,\u201d Carter said. <\/p>\n
More Tallahassee news:<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Carter said there are life-changing risks that come with getting behind the wheel impaired. \u201cYou have to deal with the consequences, and if you get into a crash and take someone\u2019s life, that\u2019s something you\u2019ll have to live with,\u201d said the detective. <\/p>\n
Additionally, it can cost $10,000 or more to cover legal fees and expenses.<\/p>\n
As part of the enforcement effort, officers are watching for common signs of impairment, including swerving, tailgating, speeding and excessive braking. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Police say the goal of the campaign is to prevent accidents and encourage drivers to make safe choices before getting behind the wheel.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are responsible options available, like getting a ride,\u201d Carter said. \u201cThe goal is to make sure everyone gets home safely and to prevent the serious risks that come with drunk driving.\u201d<\/p>\n
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