KISSIMMEE, Fla. —
The month of December breaks records for lives lost due to impaired driving.
It’s a statistic that local law enforcement agencies are hoping to change.
Attorney General Ashley Moody and other officials gathered in Osceola County on Thursday to promote safe driving during the holiday season.
DUI arrests peak between Christmas and New Year’s, Moody said, emphasizing that more people are going to holiday events and then choosing to drive impaired this time of the year.
Moody, along with Osceola Sheriff Marcos Lopez, urged Central Florida to make better decisions this year.
“If we catch you, you will go to jail,” Moody said, adding that impaired drivers were not only risking jail, but also the morgue.
“Chad and Sarah were born and raised right here in Central Florida,” Deanna Hehmann, the mother-in-law
Hehmann lost her son-in-law after he was hit and killed by an impaired driver who was going over 80 miles an hour.
“On September the 21st, 2019, we laid Chad to rest, three days before his 22nd birthday,” Hehmann said.
She says he left behind his high school sweetheart, Deanna’s daughter, and their two twin boys.
The driver admitted to being under the influence.
Moody says in 2022, there were 6,200 crashes caused by impaired driving.
She says 1,100 of those were fatal, and 600 of them were all in the month of December.
“We have to remember that when we talk about these statistics, they’re not just numbers. They represent people and families and lives,” Moody said.
“You know, this year alone, we arrested 310 people for driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. That means there was 310 people who didn’t care about you, your loved ones, your family members and were arrested,” Lopez said.
Moody gave tips on staying safe this holiday season, which included utilizing rideshare services, reporting any suspicious drivers to FHP and being vigilant when driving at night during the holidays.
“If you do choose to drink while you’re socializing, we want you to be merry, but we want you to be safe, so please use a ride-sharing service or designate a driver or call someone for help,” Moody said.
“Now is the time for action to end this 100% preventable crime,” Hehmann said.
AAA also offers their tow-to-go service as well. They’ll tow your car to your home and take you home, too.
