Highway Patrol releases Be Smart, Drive Smart Florida! results
Chief Miguel Guzman, commander of the Florida Highway Patrol’s Southern Region, today announced the preliminary results of the recently completed enforcement initiative where state troopers in central and south Florida targeted aggressive drivers on July 30 and 31. The effort kicked off the first of a series of special enforcement campaigns called Be Smart, Drive Smart Florida!, where the Patrol focuses on specific violations.
Initial reports indicate that Be Smart, Drive Smart Florida! led to 2,509 citations in FHP’s Troops E, F and L, which cover Florida from Bradenton to Vero Beach and southward to the Keys. The Patrol issued citations in the Southern Region for the following traffic offenses:
852 for speeding
330 for safety belt and car seat violations
33 for careless driving
When a trooper stops someone for aggressive driving, an “aggressive driving” notation is made on the citation. During the enforcement period, troopers in south Florida identified 65 aggressive drivers. Although there are no additional fines or points given for aggressive driving, traffic court judges tend to impose higher fines or require the defendants to enroll in an aggressive driving course when they notice the aggressive driving box checked on the citation. Additionally, troopers handed out thousands of informational flyers to educate motorists on the hazards of distracted driving as part of a statewide awareness campaign.
“The Florida Highway Patrol is committed to safeguarding everyone on our highways,” said Guzman. “Through targeted enforcement we aim to prevent crashes and save lives, leading the way to a safer Florida.”
The Florida Highway Patrol encourages motorists to call *FHP (*347) on their cellular phones to report drunk, aggressive or other dangerous drivers. Callers can remain anonymous. Motorists who experience car trouble on the highway or who otherwise need assistance also may dial *FHP to request assistance.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles provides highway safety and security through excellence in service, education and enforcement. The Department is leading the way to a safer Florida through the efficient and professional execution of its core mission: the issuance of driver licenses, vehicle tags and titles and operation of the Florida Highway Patrol. To learn more about DHSMV and the services offered, visit www.flhsmv.gov.
Source: lorida Highway Patrol