While Spring Break is an exciting celebration for many students and families, it is also a dangerous and deadly time on Florida roadways. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has two important messages for spring breakers this month: buckle up and don’t drink and drive. The FHP’s mission is to save lives and increased awareness and enforcement of these actions will help to make a difference. These two simple actions are necessary to help prevent and avoid unnecessary accidents, injuries and deaths.

Spring Breakers

Hurt or Injured by a Negligent Drunk Driver in Tampa?

Throughout the month of March, law enforcement will be out enforcing the drinking-age laws and working to keep impaired or intoxicated drivers off the roadways. There are more DUI arrests in March than any other month of the year. Preliminary data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shows that, in March 2015, there were more than 32,000 vehicle crashes in Florida. Of those crashes, at least 400 of the involved drivers were impaired or intoxicated, thus, resulting in more than 230 reported injuries and more than 35 fatalities. It is also notable that 10% of the teen car crashes that occurred in March 2015 involved alcohol as a contributing factor.

The message is simple—Drive sober! One drink is too many.

Florida Safety Belt Laws

The FHP is also participating in the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign with the goal of raising awareness of the fact that a seatbelt is a vehicle’s best safety feature. Florida law requires the use of seat belts by all drivers, front-seat passengers and all children under the age of 18 in a vehicle. Notwithstanding that fact, it is indisputable that seat belts save lives. Of the people who were killed in car accidents in 2015, 21% were not wearing a seat belt.

Again, the message is simple—Buckle up! A seat belt can be the difference between life and death.

Free Consultation with a Tampa Accident Injury Attorney

It is no secret that alcohol and drugs cause impairment to a person’s judgment, reaction time and awareness. If you or someone you know has been in an automobile accident involving an intoxicated or impaired driver, it would be beneficial to speak with an experienced and aggressive drunk-driving accident lawyer in Tampa. Contact the Capaz Law Firm for a free consultation regarding your potential claim.