Police increasing DUI patrols across Florida

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – There's a push to keep people safe on the roads from now until Labor Day.

The essence of the push? Drive sober or get slapped with handcuffs.

Law enforcement agencies across Florida are working to stop people from driving under the influence.

As the Labor Day holiday approaches, officers, troopers and deputies want people to remember to be safe while they celebrate.

Police in Lake City issued a warning to the public that they will be looking for impaired drivers during their "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign.

The St. Augustine Police Department will also be in full force from now until Labor Day, looking aggressively for impaired drivers.

News4Jax spoke with St. Johns County Sheriff's Office Commander Chuck Mulligan about the push for sobriety on the roads over the next couple of weeks.

"I can simply tell you that DUI, in my 27 years at the Sheriff's Office, I've seen tragedy after tragedy with car crashes, many of which could have been prevented had the drivers faculties not been impaired," said Mulligan.

Mulligan pointed out that it's not just eliminating thousands of deaths on the road every year.

"Quite honestly, when it comes to the DUIs, there's an impact. It does impact our society," Mulligan said. "It does cost all of us a little bit and certainly for those individuals who are on the wrong side of a DUI crash, it can cost you your life."


About the Author

Kent Justice co-anchors News4Jax's 5 p.m., 10 and 11 p.m. newscasts weeknights and reports on government and politics. He also hosts "This Week in Jacksonville," Channel 4's hot topics and politics public affairs show each Sunday morning at 9 a.m.

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