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Officers To Be Out In Force For New Year's

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By LISA A. DAVIS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 29, 2007

Updated: 12/29/2007 01:22 pm

The saying goes among law enforcement officers that New Year's Eve is "amateur night" for the drunks on the road.

The ones who dare to drive are the ones who aren't big into drinking and decide to have a celebratory few to ring in the new year.

But whether you're a seasoned drinker, an occasional sipper or even one who uses illegal substances, don't get behind the wheel, law enforcement officials say.

Not only is it often deadly, but even if you escape injury of yourself or others, it can be costly. And especially through the new year, the men and women who wear the shiny badges are going to be looking for impaired drivers and other traffic violators.

Tonight and Sunday, the Pasco County Sheriff's Office will be doing saturation patrols in Holiday, New Port Richey and on State Road 54 from U.S. 41 to Little Road. Between at least 7 p.m. Monday and 3 a.m. Tuesday, deputies, police and Florida Highway Patrol troopers will be saturating roads countywide.

The agencies are beefing up manpower seeking out people who shouldn't be driving.

Walking isn't a better alternative.

"If you're intoxicated, please don't try to walk home," said Sgt. Art Rowand, supervisor for the sheriff's Selective Traffic Enforcement Patrol Unit.

Numerous traffic fatalities have been the result of drunken pedestrians this year, he said.

And don't hop on a bicycle either. State law considers bicycles a motor vehicle, so pedaling under the influence can cost cyclists a trip to jail.

The best bet is having a designated driver. Of course, a cab ride is only a phone call away.

If you don't want to leave your car behind, there's the "Tow to Go" program, a confidential free ride home, offered by AAA Auto Club South and Budweiser. Dial 1-800-AAA-HELP (222-4357) and a dispatcher will make arrangements to get motorists and their cars home safely.

Locally, Zingo of Port Richey offers safe rides home by professional designated drivers.

They will pick up people at a bar, home or other location, fold up a motorbike and put it in the trunk, then drive the person and vehicle home for a fee.

For pricing and a ride, call (727) 534-4803.

Throughout Florida, a number of taxi services, wrecker companies and other businesses are offering free services to keep intoxicated individuals from getting behind the wheel.

If sober motorists suspect someone is driving under the influence, call *FHP from a cell phone to report it or dial 911.

If you drive drunken and wind up in jail, it could cost up to $8,000 in lawyer and court fees, as well as insurance increases and other fees, fines and impound costs. Loss of license and jail time also are a possibility.

It's simply not worth the financial and physical risks, law enforcement officers say. In 2006, Pasco County deputies arrested 896 people for driving under the influence.

Last year, 1,099 people statewide died in alcohol-related crashes; 38 of those were in Pasco, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.

Reporter Lisa A. Davis can be reached at (727) 815-1083 or ldavis@tampatrib.com.

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