Attorney General Moody Promotes Road Safety This Holiday Season

Posted on December 30, 2019 by Staff reports

With New Year’s festivities and holiday parties across Florida in full swing, Attorney General Ashley Moody is urging Floridians to be careful on the roads. December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month as incidents of drunk driving typically increase during the final month of the year.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “So many Floridians are looking forward to celebrating with our loved ones as we say goodbye to 2019 and welcome in the new year. However, if you intend on going to a New Year’s party, please make responsible choices. Taking precautions before driving will not only help protect you, but protects those around you from danger on the road.”

In 2018, Florida law enforcement officials made more than 43,700 DUI arrests, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Between Dec. 23, 2018 and Jan. 2, 2019, DHSMV reported 221 crashes and 34 fatalities that involved alcohol, drugs or both. Over the past decade, more than 10,000 people on average are killed per year nationwide in car accidents due to impaired driving.

Attorney General Moody advises the following tips for partygoers:

  • Don’t drink and drive—Alcohol impairs vision, concentration and reaction time, all important skills needed to drive safely. It is also extremely dangerous and illegal;
  • Designate a driver—Making plans to assign a close friend or relative to stay sober and serve as a designated driver helps ensure everyone can make it home safely;
  • Call a cab or ride sharing service—If a designated driver cannot be found, taxis or ride sharing services are useful transportation resources; and
  • Tow to Go—Since 1998, The American Automobile Association’s Tow to Go program provides a free confidential ride service available to both AAA members and non-members. For more information on Tow to Go, click here.

In preparation for the festivities, President Donald J. Trump issued a Presidential Proclamation recognizing December as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month.