Image via HCSO
The time around the Thanksgiving holiday is one of the worst for drunk driving. For this reason, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office conducted “Operation Turkey Day” in an attempt to cut down on the dangers of drinking and driving.
What is the program, and how many people were charged during the initiative?
Driving Drunk & Thanksgiving
While some might guess the Fourth of July or Memorial Day as the holiday with the highest number of drunk drivers, many organizations report that Thanksgiving is the worst holiday for impaired driving.
According to Kurt Erickson, the President of the nonprofit Washington Regional Alcohol Program, over a third of all traffic deaths in this country involve drunk drivers.
From the night before Thanksgiving through the Sunday after the holiday, the number of drunk drivers on the road is higher than normal and makes for a very dangerous situation. Data from the U.S. Department of Transportation says from 2018 to 2022, there were 833 fatalities in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver who was drunk during the week of Thanksgiving.
Due to the increase in drunk driving around Thanksgiving, many local law enforcement agencies conduct special patrols to cut down and prevent drinking and driving. This year, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) was one of those agencies.
Related: How Likely Is Jail Time for First DUI in Florida?
Operation Turkey Day
For the 2024 Thanksgiving season, the HCSO conducted “Operation Turkey Day.” The initiative was a multi-agency effort that also involved the Tampa Police Department and Florida Highway Patrol. It aimed to cut down on impaired driving from November 27 to November 30.
During the three-day period, agencies monitored for drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs and made 330 traffic stops for suspected drunk driving.
- 309 warnings were issued
- 21 citations were given
- 39 DUI arrests were made
Members of the task force were proud of their efforts. In a press release, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said, “I want to express my deep thanks to our deputies and partner agencies for their tireless work this past weekend. Many of them sacrificed time with their families to ensure the safety of others.”
Chronister also encouraged others to remain vigilant about preventing drunk driving throughout the rest of the holiday season. “While Thanksgiving weekend is over, the holiday season is just beginning. I urge everyone to make responsible choices. Together, we can keep this holiday season safe for everyone,” he said.
Related: How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record?
How Serious Is a DUI in Criminal Court?
Operation Turkey Day is a reminder of the danger and serious consequences that can arise from drinking and driving. Driving under the influence (DUI) is a leading cause of roadway fatalities and can lead to significant criminal charges.
The consequences of getting arrested for a DUI vary based on the details of the driver’s history and the incident.
A first-offense DUI carries fewer penalties than a consecutive offense. If no one was injured during the incident and no property was damaged, a first-offense DUI is typically classified as a misdemeanor. It does not carry mandatory jail time. First-time DUI offenders usually lose their driver’s license for 180 days to one year and need to pay $500-$1,000 in fines.
The penalties for a DUI increase if someone was injured, and the consequences are even more steep if someone was killed during the incident. Under Florida Statute 316.193, a DUI resulting in death is a second-degree felony that comes with a mandatory prison sentence of four years. The maximum sentence is 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Related: How to Find a DUI Attorney in Tampa
How Serious Is a DUI in Civil Court?
A DUI charge can lead to serious implications in criminal court, and it can also pull drivers into civil lawsuits. A person who has been injured by a drunk driver or a family member of a person who was killed can sue for personal injury or wrongful death.
If an accident caused by a drunk driver left another party with damages, injuries, or death, the driver could be responsible for providing financial compensation through a civil lawsuit. In a personal injury or wrongful death civil case, the driver could end up owing thousands to injured parties to cover their medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and vehicle damage, among other financial obligations.
Related: Is a DUI a Felony in Florida? What Charges Should You Expect?
Talk to an Experienced DUI Attorney
Getting charged with a DUI can lead to legal cases in both criminal and civil courts. If you have been charged with a DUI, protect yourself as soon as possible. Talk to an experienced Tampa DUI attorney who can help you understand the potential consequences of your case and guide you to the best possible outcome. Don’t go through this on your own. TJ Grimaldi is here to help. Request your free consultation or call 813-226-1023 today.
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