On Friday, July 4, 2014 the Fort Myers Police Department will deploy additional officers to patrol City streets looking for impaired drivers. While the Fourth of July should be a time of celebration with family and friends, sadly, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration the holiday is one of the deadliest of the year for alcohol-related crashes.
FMPD is reminding everyone that buzzed driving is drunk driving and planning ahead could prevent you from becoming a statistic. The saturation patrol is an effort to make Independence Day safer by cracking down on impaired driving and improve traffic safety through the following:
- Remove impaired drivers from the roadway.
- Reduce the likelihood impaired drivers will operate their vehicles on our roadways.
- Heighten awareness.
- Educate the public on the dangers of drunk driving.
This and other increased patrol operations are scheduled as part of the FMPD strategic plan and on-going efforts to make the streets safer by educating the public on traffic safety issues. The amount of alcohol that one can consume during a day-long party or celebration can drastically affect the motor skills necessary to drive safely. Police offer these steps to make sure that you and everyone you celebrate with avoids driving under the influence:
- Plan ahead. Always designate a non-drinking driver before any holiday party or celebration begins.
- Take the keys. Do not let a friend drive if they are impaired.
- Be a helpful host. If you’re hosting a party, remind your guests to plan ahead and designate a sober driver, always offer alcohol-free beverages, and make sure all of your guests leave with a sober driver.
- If you see an impaired driver on the road call police.
- The downtown Freedom Fest celebration is from 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
- Road closures for the event are from 1 p.m. – 12 a.m.
- Motorists please do not park on the bridges during the fireworks display
Lieutenant Victor Medico
Public Information Officer
Fort Myers Police Department
2210 Widman Way
Fort Myers, Florida 33901
(239) 321-7748
vmedico@fmpolice.com