Police Plan Aggressive Holiday Weekend DUI Patrols on Orlando Streets
Anyone thinking of drinking and driving on the weekend before New Year’s Eve as well as the big night better reconsider the potential consequences. A team of specialized police officers will be cruising Orlando streets looking for drunk drivers in the final weekend of 2012. The Orlando Police Department’s DUI unit patrols area roadways every Thursday and Friday night on the lookout for drivers under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and, unfortunately, there is always a steady supply of intoxicated drivers.
"It’s the most preventable crime, but drivers choose either to ignore it or think it’s not a big deal," said Orlando Police Cpl. Christopher Chaplin, speaking about drunken driving. "We are saving lives by getting these people off the streets."
Chaplin has made 103 drunk driving arrests during 2012 and has even pulled over drivers on his way home after an overnight shift working the DUI unit. Several law enforcement agencies will be coordinating DUI patrols with Orlando Police during the holiday weekend crackdown. Last summer, Orlando Police Chief Paul Rooney designated several patrol cars to be outfitted with cameras, special markings and other equipment exclusively for the DUI unit. The unit is funded by a $100,000 grant from the Florida Department of Transportation to pay for officers working overtime on the DUI unit.
It appears that the DOT’s investment is paying off. Thus far in 2012, the unit has made 3,463 traffic stops, which resulted in 1,392 citations, 277 DUI arrests, 25 felony arrests and 72 misdemeanor arrests.
"We would be happy if we had zero arrests," said Sgt. David Arenas. "Because that would mean people were getting the point and not driving drunk."
Zero DUI arrests would also please James O. Cunningham and other Orlando personal injury lawyers. Mr. Cunningham has represented people injured by drunk drivers since 1977 and helps them receive the compensation they deserve to pay medical expenses, replace lost wages and get compensation for pain and suffering and other damages. If you have been injured by a drunk driver and would like to speak with an Orlando drunk driving accident injury lawyer, call Mr. Cunningham today at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587).
James O. Cunningham
Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.