The upcoming Memorial Day weekend has been designated to honor the lives taken while bravely serving our country. As we remember the fallen, many will take the next few days to relax while spending time with family and friends. Some might head to our nearby beaches, others may hit the road for a weekend getaway, and some will choose to crack open an ice cold alcoholic beverage.
In an effort to prevent drunk driving, the Florida Highway Patrol has already warned of the 2018 Memorial Day weekend Wolfpack Operation. It will begin at 9pm on Friday the 25th, taking place in Hardee, Sarasota, Manatee, and Desoto counties. Earlier this month, a Pinellas County Wolf Pack resulted in 22 DUIs as well as 10 felony drug charges. If the thought of injuring yourself or another person while driving under the influence doesn’t startle you enough, the cost and consequences of a DUI should!
And while many drinkers elect to call an Uber or Lyft to get home safely, others still choose to get behind the wheel — not just in cars, but also in boats. In Florida, year-round sunshine and crystal blue waters draws many to spend their free time out on boats. While boating is an enjoyable pastime for many, unfortunately it can be dangerous. Last Memorial Day Weekend, a 12-year-old boy died from his injuries after a tragic boat crash on a Florida river. Several of his family members were airlifted to Tampa General Hospital. A second crash happened less than a mile down the river, injuring four. While we don’t know the cause of these two accidents, most boat crashes are completely avoidable by taking the proper safety precautions. This includes not drinking alcohol if you are driving the boat.
The bottom line is, don’t take any chances. Don’t take a chance on getting a DUI charge. Don’t take a chance on your life, and certainly don’t take a chance on ruining an innocent person’s life. Most accidents can be avoided. If you choose to drink please designate a sober driver. And however you choose to spend your holiday, whether on the road or on the water, we hope you’ll do it safely.
