DUI crackdown held over Labor Day weekend

JSO kicks off drive sober campaign, FHP sets up DUI checkpoint

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – With more drivers on the road during the Labor Day weekend, that could mean an increased chance for drunk driving and accidents.

Local law enforcement wants everyone to know they're out and watching, but unfortunately there was one fatal crash already reported Friday. The crash happened late in the night near Lem Turner Road and Lake Forest.

Police said a white car heading north on Lem Turner Road turned in front of an SUV heading south. The vehicles collided and the passenger in the white car later died from injuries.

RELATED: JSO: Woman dead in Lem Turner Road crash

Police are also cracking down on people driving under the influence. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office kicked off a drive sober campaign a few weeks ago leading up to the Labor Day weekend.

The Florida Highway Patrol set up a DUI checkpoint Friday night in the Fernandina Beach area. Troopers assigned units for DUI enforcement throughout the area Saturday night.

News4Jax Crime and Safety Expert Gil Smith said parents and families need to be proactive when it comes to this issue.

"If you have younger people in your family, encourage them not to drink and drive. If they drink this weekend, get someone else to drive for them," said Smith. "They're expecting nationwide about 400 traffic fatalities, and over 40,000 people being injured due to someone drinking and driving."

Anyone who believes they see an impaired driver on the road is asked to call police or the Florida Highway Patrol at *347 (*FHP).


About the Authors:

Ashley Harding joined the Channel 4 news team in March 2013. She reports for and anchors The Morning Show.