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Troopers On The Prowl

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By JOSH POLTILOVE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 24, 2007

Updated: 12/23/2007 10:35 pm

TAMPA - The Florida Highway Patrol plans to crack down on aggressive driving, speeding, safety restraint violations and driving under the influence this holiday season.

The Christmas holiday enforcement period began Saturday and ends midnight Tuesday. The zero-tolerance enforcement during New Year's will run from Saturday through midnight Jan. 1.

Last Christmas season, the patrol investigated 13 deaths in eight traffic crashes. Last New Year's season, the patrol investigated 15 deaths in 14 crashes.

Col. John Czernis, the patrol's director, said in a news release that he has asked for all available personnel to work patrols or "specific enforcement operations" during this season's Christmas and New Year's periods. That includes staff members normally in administrative roles, he said.

Reserve and auxiliary troopers also will assist troopers.

"The more troopers working the road, assisting the public, and enforcing the laws, the better we are able to achieve our vision of a safer Florida," Czernis said in the release.

The patrol also cracked down on aggressive driving during this year's Thanksgiving season. From Nov. 21 through Nov. 25, troopers arrested 162 people for DUI. They issued nearly 7,200 citations for speeding and nearly 1,200 citations for safety belt violations.

Drivers who wish to report aggressive or impaired drivers can dial *FHP (*347) from their cell phones. Callers may remain anonymous.

Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at (813) 259-7691 or jpoltilove@tampatrib.com.

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