The $9,000 drink

As the holidays near, cops are cracking down on impaired drivers. What are the consequences?

By Susan Thurston, tbt* Staff Writer
Published December 7, 2007

Eat, drink and be merry. It's an edict many people follow during the holidays.

But the next time you add some cheer with another round of drinks, keep in mind law enforcement may be just around the corner.

Now through Jan. 1, police have beefed up DUI patrols and checkpoints in the hopes of keeping the holidays happy for everyone on the road. They know office parties, private get-togethers and outings at the mall are prime opportunities to throw back a cold one - or two or three - then climb behind the wheel.

"We tend to associate having fun with having a daiquiri," said Jeanette Rouse, program manager for the state's Community Traffic Safety Team in Tampa. "They think that to laugh you have to have wine and a margarita."

Public service announcements and alternative ride programs have done a lot to reduce drinking and driving around the holidays. AAA's Tow To Go offers impaired drivers a free tow home; Alert Cab gives free rides.

Still, plenty of work remains. People don't bother to designate a driver. They don't think they'll get drunk. They're having way too much fun.

"We usually see an increase because the nondrinkers are out drinking. They don't know their tolerance level," said Hillsborough County sheriff's Deputy Shawn Morrey, who is assigned to the DUI unit covering Town 'N Country and Carrollwood.

Many bars and restaurants work with law enforcement to stop customers from driving drunk. But they can't watch everyone, Morrey said. Complicating matters: Florida has no law against public intoxication or restrictions on drink specials or happy hour.

Linda Unfried, who co-founded Hillsborough's Mothers Against Drunk Driving 24 years ago, said many people don't understand the difference between being drunk and being impaired.

"They feel that unless they're falling down drunk, they can drive. But impairment beings at a very early level," she said. "It doesn't take much to be impaired."

Despite efforts, Hillsborough led all counties in the state with 6,292 DUI arrests last year, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Pinellas was fifth with 3,418. Pasco had 1,410.

Officials can't say for sure why.

It could be that Hillsborough and its cities patrol more for DUI than other counties. It could be because entertainment hubs such as Ybor City, Channelside and SoHo draw people from across the region.

Quitting time also might matter. Hillsborough bars stop serving at 3 a.m. compared with 2 a.m. in Pinellas. Partiers can drive east across the bridges for last call or hit after-hours parties at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, which is immune to local laws.

"We definitely have a problem here," said Ellen Snelling, co-founder of the Tampa Alcohol Coalition. "Way too many people are drinking and driving. We all try to figure out why."

How it adds up

In addition to the incalculable grief it can cause, a DUI can really hit you in the wallet. Here's a breakdown of the financial impact of the average DUI, according to traffic safety officials.

Lawyer fees: $3,500

Towing charges: $150

Bail: $500

Fine & court costs: $500

DUI school: $215

License reinstatement: $225

Drug & alcohol evaluation: $100

Alcohol treatment: $400

Cost of supervision: $610

Vehicle impound: $100

Ignition interlock device: $600

Loss of work: $300

3-year insurance surcharge: $1,800

TOTAL: $9,000

Need a ride?

Even best intentions to avoid drinking and driving sometimes don't work out. One drink leads to five. Before you know it, you've got a lamp shade on your head. Okay, maybe not quite, but you certainly shouldn't drive. Fortunately, you don't have to. Various services offer motorists a safe way home. Here are a few.

Zingo. Forget to designate a driver? Then designate Zingo. Drivers will come to you on a minibike, fold it up, pack it in your drunk, then drive you and your car home. Founded in Atlanta, Zingo started in Tampa around Halloween. Co-owners Margeaux McCorvey and Jessica Carlson have drivers on call in South Tampa (you might see their tent at Platt Street and Howard Avenue on weekends) but will service any part of the county. The cost is $10 per pickup plus $3 a mile. Call toll-free 1-888-ZINGO-11 or visit www.zingotampa.com . Another franchise serves Pasco County. Call (727) 534-4803 or visit www.zingoportrichey.com . Gift cards are available.

Tow To Go. Through Jan. 1, drivers can call AAA for a tow truck to take them and their car home. The service is free and puts to rest fears your car could be impounded or stolen overnight. Pepin Distributing Co. started the program several years ago in Tampa and has since expanded it throughout the Southeast. Last holiday season, it gave 700 rides in Tampa. The service also is available on other holidays and party events such as St. Patrick’s Day and the Super Bowl. Call 1-800-AAA-HELP and ask for Tow To Go.

Alert Cab. Bartenders and waitresses know better than most when someone is too drunk to drive. Many also know to call Alert Cab to give the person a free lift home and a ride back to their car the next day. Sponsored by United Cab and Pepin Distributing, Alert Cab is available at most bars and restaurants, as well as Raymond James Stadium and the St. Pete Times Forum. In existence for about 15 years, the service averages about 40 rides a month. Bartenders and waitresses must call for the service, but any too-tipsy patron or their friend can ask for it.

[Last modified December 6, 2007, 08:55:16]