Sergeant Brad Roberts of the DUI unit complains of nonstop DUI arrests plaguing central Florida night after night. As DUI supervisor he claims his crew of arresting officials is overloaded with battling sobriety behind the wheel, or rather a lack thereof. It isn’t just driving under the influence that has caught Roberts’ undivided attention. Since last year, he claims traffic violations in general have increased by approximately 20%. With public safety being at the heart of his concern, Roberts is manning a campaign against driving under the influence and the main target appears to be the University of Central Florida.
Do Students Need More Driving Education?
UCF Police Chief Richard Beary, a law enforcement official who has already made approximately 70 arrests related to DUI claims students need to educate themselves on staying sober or they will be forced to learn the lesson the hard way. He made it a point to mention the numerous consequences that can occur as a result of a DUI. Consequences that heavily outweigh being convicted of a crime or having a criminal record that could follow you around for years. He explained the risks a driver under the influence is taking when they crank the ignition and cited the casualties and injuries that can happen as a result. He went on to urge parents to educate their college aged children about the importance of obeying the laws of traffic, specifically as they relate to DUI.
Sergeant Brad Roberts chimed in, agreeing whole heartedly with his coworker and making a statement that truly paints a picture of the horrors DUI officers face on a daily basis. “When you roll up and see these dead college kids, those drivers responsible are not the ones having to tell these parents your baby’s dead. It’s us at law enforcement.”
What the Numbers Say about DUI’s in Florida
Mothers Against Drunk Driving released statistics from 2011 depicting a whopping 716 DUI deaths in Florida. This number falls just below California and Texas who rank highest with Texas sustaining approximately 1,213 deaths and California coming in second with 774 approximated DUI deaths. Interestingly enough, Florida numbers increased between 2010 and 2011, spiking up from 678 DUI deaths in 2010 to the number listed above. On the other hand, the nation as a whole witnessed a marginal drop during that time frame just a few years back.
In sheer numbers alone, Florida fairs poorly when compared to other states, with Orange County holding the record for most DUI arrests in 2013 and Brevard County holding the record for most DUI arrests when compared to population. While the arrests continue to increase, the DUI fatalities appear to do the same, making the job of a DUI officer disheartening at best, especially considering the fact that DUI officers aren’t offered bonuses for making such arrests. Their incentive is simply to clear the road of drunk drivers but maybe an alternative education would be a better utilization of their available resources.
Is It Possible to be Falsely Accused of DUI?
Absolutely. Even in this day and age, mistakes happen all the time. Faulty DUI testing equipment and/or incorrect field test results can make an innocent driver appear guilty of taking the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This is particularly true for college students who are already in an area that is being heavily patrolled. Faulty DUI results could occur because a driver is jetlagged, fatigued or simply nervous. While the possibility of endangering lives is terrifying in and of itself, the possibility of being falsely convicted of a DUI is nothing to be taken lightly either. A DUI conviction can lead to debt as a result of lost wages or missed employment opportunities. From this perspective, college students should take the time to educate themselves both on driving responsibly and understanding their rights on the road.
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