As spring break begins around the state and our area, a warning from the Florida Highway Patrol and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles comes along with it. The agencies have begun their Arrive Alive, Don’t Drink and Drive campaign this month to try to keep people safe as they enjoy celebrating spring break.
From the highways to the beaches, many people take some time off to enjoy what Florida and our area have to offer during spring break. But along with the celebrating, there sometimes comes tragedy.
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According to state numbers, in March 2016, there were more than 35,000 crashes statewide, and, on average, 15 of those each day involved drivers who had blood alcohol levels above the legal limit -- those resulted in 48 fatalities.
The numbers are broken down even further into high school and college-age drivers -- those who are more likely to be on spring break from school.
Last March, high school and college-age drivers made up 20 percent -- or 12,157 -- of all crashes in the state.
Those crashes resulted in 677 injuries and 84 deaths.
Those numbers are why law enforcement is out in full force this month and will continue to be making sure all drivers are safe.
Since 2013, more DUI citations have been given in March than in any other month of the year. Officials are urging everyone to have a plan before you go out. That way, you can make sure you and others arrive safely.