CAPE CORAL, Fla. — Sergeant Allan Kolak said this new year's weekend the Cape Coral Police Department is looking for signs of drunk drivers.
“Swerving, failing to maintain a single lane, going too slow, driving without headlights,” he said.
Kolak said the crack down can prevent tragedy. “Approximately 65 deaths and injuries happen every hour [across the country] due to impaired driving,” he said. Kolak added Cape Coral Police has seen a 14% increase in crashes between 2015 and 2017 and half were alcohol related. He said they're working to get those drivers off the road as soon as possible for everyone’s safety.
During a DUI operation Saturday night officers pulled over drivers for speeding and other red flags of drunk driving. There was at least one arrest of an impaired driver who had a warrant and drugs in his possession.
Lori Burke with Mothers Against Drunk Driving said she recommends people plan ahead as they bring in the new year.
“Our message is if you’re going to go out and partake in alcohol or anything that impairs you, just make a plan. It’s as simple as that,” she said.
There’s also alternatives to getting behind the wheel while intoxicated- Lyft, Uber and AAA also offers a free ride service called Tow 2 Go. That service is for members and non-members. It’s offered now through 6 in the morning on Wednesday January 2nd The AAA driver will tow users and their cars up to 10 miles to a requested location. The number is 1-855 2-tow-2-go (286-9246).
There’s also an app called Safer Ride created by the National Highway Safety Administration. It allows users to share their location to call a friend or call a taxi.
Burke said the consequences aren't worth it.
“We work with victims and survivors of drunk and drugged driving crashes and the pain never ends,” she said. “We can’t thank them [police] enough. We’re so grateful."
Kolak said their DUI checkpoints run now through the new year holiday.
