State officials are entering the month of March with a blunt warning for motorists: one bad decision behind the wheel can erase a lifetime of potential. Data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reveals that a staggering one in three fatal traffic crashes in the state involves an impaired driver, accounting for over 30% of all road deaths.
To combat these preventable tragedies, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is launching its “Never Drive Impaired” campaign.
The initiative highlights the reality that impairment begins with the very first drink and that the consequences of a DUI conviction—which include heavy fines, jail time, and a mark on a driving record for 75 years—are lifelong.
“Impaired driving is a choice that puts lives at risk, and the consequences are far too real for far too many Florida families,” said Executive Director Dave Kerner. “Every one of us has a responsibility to prevent these tragedies before they happen. Through the Never Drive Impaired campaign, we are reminding drivers that safety begins long before they start the car.”
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The statistics gathered over the last five years paint a grim picture of alcohol’s impact. Alcohol alone is responsible for 84.4% of impaired-driving crashes and over 80% of related injuries. However, officials are also sounding the alarm on drug impairment and fatigue. Marijuana remains the most common drug found in crash scenes, particularly among drivers aged 10 to 24, while those aged 25 to 29 see the highest rates of drug-related fatalities.
FHP Colonel Gary Howze noted that troopers see the aftermath of these choices daily. “Whether the impairment is caused by alcohol, drugs, or fatigue, the result can be life-changing in an instant,” Howze said. “We urge every driver to recognize the responsibility they carry each time they start their vehicle. Every safe choice behind the wheel protects a family, a community, and a future that cannot be replaced.”
The state is deploying 303 certified Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) to identify drivers under the influence of substances that might not show up on a standard breathalyzer. These experts are trained to spot the five primary indicators of impairment: slowed reaction time, limited short-term memory, decreased hand-eye coordination, weakened concentration, and difficulty perceiving time and distance.
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Authorities are also reminding the public that “drowsy driving” is a form of impairment that is often exacerbated by medication or alcohol. To prevent fatigue-related accidents, the FLHSMV suggests motorists take breaks every 100 miles or two hours and utilize Florida’s network of rest areas and service plazas.
As spring travel picks up, the message from state law enforcement remains simple: impairment is a choice, and the safest way to protect your future is to plan for a sober ride before the keys ever leave your pocket.
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