FHP Reports Florida Memorial Holiday Results

Col. John Czernis, director of the Florida Highway Patrol, this week announced the preliminary enforcement results from the Patrol's Memorial Day holiday enforcement period. During the 4-day heightened enforcement period, the Patrol beefed up its force by having troopers postpone administrative duties in favor of road patrols and adding reservists and auxiliary troopers to patrol duty.

Troopers issued more than 14,300 traffic citations and made 135 arrests for Driving Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs. They cited more than 5,000 drivers for speeding and nearly 3,000 for failure to buckle up.

"Our troopers worked hard to help our residents and visitors have a safe and enjoyable holiday period,'' said Czernis. ''Motorists who operate their vehicles in an unsafe fashion are a danger that puts innocent lives at risk. The men and women of the Florida Highway Patrol did their part to identify the unsafe drivers and take the steps necessary to decrease that risk.''

The members of the Florida Highway Patrol would like to remind everyone that it is the law to Move Over when approaching any authorized emergency vehicle or wrecker displaying rotating or flashing lights stopped on the side of a roadway. Also, remember that *FHP (*347) dialed from you cell phone contacts FHP should you need to report an aggressive driver or require roadside assistance.