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DUI patrols will be out in force for New Year's

Law enforcement agencies will boost their presence on the roads but say that smart choices will prevent drivers from having to deal with them.

By ELENA LESLEY
Published December 30, 2005

Think twice before you take that second martini.

Local law enforcement agencies will be stepping up DUI patrols both this evening and New Year's Eve, said Crystal River police Chief Steven Burch.

And it may take only a couple of drinks to impair a driver's abilities.

"Intoxication depends on weight, age, gender," Burch said. "Many incapacitated drivers don't know that they are."

Two 12-ounce beers.

A couple glasses of wine.

Two shots of 80-proof whisky.

That kind of drinking could get drivers prosecuted for driving under the influence, depending on their physical makeup, Burch said.

"Mixed drinks are even worse," he added. "People are getting a whole lot more than they think."

As part of a statewide DUI enforcement initiative known as Operation Lights for Life, the Crystal River police will have five officers on patrol tonight and seven on New Year's Eve.

The Sheriff's Office will boost its manpower New Year's Eve, as well, with nine deputies patrolling, and the Florida Highway Patrol's Citrus-Hernando staff of about a dozen will also take to the roads during the next few days.

Patrols have impact.

In 2004, Crystal River police made 61 DUI arrests, Burch said. Since the department added a grant-funded DUI officer this year, that number already has climbed to 86.

Next year they're shooting for 100 arrests.

Of Citrus County's 38 traffic fatalities in 2004, 13 were alcohol-related, said Trooper Larry Coggins, a spokesman for the FHP.

But the problem is, not all impaired drivers are necessarily drunk, Burch said.

"When you say "drunk drivers,' it brings to mind people banging up against walls who can't stand up," Burch said. "Impaired drivers are in some ways more dangerous, because the drunk driver knows he's drunk."

To determine if drivers are impaired, officers will look for telltale traffic violations, like speeding, improper changing of lanes or having trouble staying in one lane. If, after being pulled over, an offender appears intoxicated, then the officer will conduct a roadside sobriety test.

To avoid such a scenario, people should plan ahead, Burch said.

"You need to decide, if you're going to drink, you will not drive, or if you're going to drive, you will not drink," he said.

Even though Citrus County has limited opportunities for transportation, Burch said residents have options. They can call a cab, or AAA's holiday Tow and Go service (1-800-AAA-HELP). AAA will tow your car for free.

"Around 50 percent of alcohol-related fatalities are caused by impaired (not drunk) drivers," Burch said. "For some people, it could only be a few drinks."

[Last modified December 30, 2005, 01:22:03]