Orlando, FL – As New Year’s celebrations continue across Central Florida, Orange County deputies are urging drivers to make safe choices behind the wheel, warning that impaired driving enforcement is increasing through the holiday period.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, deputies are joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and law enforcement agencies nationwide in a coordinated effort to crack down on drunk and impaired driving. The initiative runs from Friday, December 13, through Wednesday, January 1, and includes heightened patrols, sobriety checkpoints, and zero-tolerance enforcement.
Officials say the goal is to prevent deadly crashes during one of the most dangerous travel periods of the year. Law enforcement leaders note that every holiday season, lives are lost due to drivers operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs—deaths they say are entirely preventable.
The Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents that impaired driving doesn’t just put the driver at risk, but also passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists sharing the road. Deputies are encouraging anyone planning to drink to arrange a sober ride home, use rideshare services, or designate a driver before heading out.
NHTSA data shows that New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day consistently rank among the deadliest days for alcohol-related crashes nationwide. In response, agencies across Florida are increasing visibility in hopes that enforcement—and awareness—will deter risky behavior.
Drivers are also reminded that a DUI arrest can carry serious consequences, including jail time, license suspension, heavy fines, and long-term impacts on employment and insurance rates.
Authorities say the message is simple: don’t drink and drive. Arriving alive is the priority this holiday season.
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