Be wary of drunk drivers this Labor Day weekend

Floridians in some parts of the state will likely be engaging in hurricane clean-up over the upcoming Labor Day weekend. But many others, plus tourists, will be flocking to the beaches, lakes and parks in our state for one last hurrah to summer before the beginning of unofficial autumn.

For lots of people, these celebrations will involve alcohol. While there is nothing wrong with celebrating responsibly, far too many people consume copious amounts of alcohol and then climb behind the wheel for the drive back home.

“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over”

That’s the name of the annual campaign against drunk and impaired driving. This year, an increased law enforcement presence has been on the roads and highways since Aug. 18 and will continue through Sept. 4. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and state Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) are partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to fund more law enforcement officers to intercept unsafe and impaired drivers before they can kill, maim or injure others.

Last year, during the same period, more than half of all traffic deaths were linked to impaired motorists. This is more than a 25% uptick from the Labor Day holiday period in 2021.

What happens if you get injured by an impaired driver?

No one likes to think of worst-case scenarios, but inevitably some drivers will flout our laws and cause grief to Florida families through their negligence. If your Labor Day weekend involves a collision with a drunk, drugged or otherwise negligent driver, you need to understand that you may have the right to pursue a civil complaint against the at-fault motorist who injured you or your family members.