DUI Sweep Nets Dozens of Arrests

During a recent traffic sweep aimed at people driving under the influence, the Manatee County Sherif's Office made dozens of arrests, including two felony arrests.

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office Traffic Unit participated in the National DUI Enforcement Wave sponsored by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and Florida Department of Transportation over two weeks anchored by Labor Day weekend. 

During the the 2012 DUI Challenge, including a total of 1700 hours worked, deputies completed:

Two felony arrests, 13 DUI arrests,  two reckless driving arrests, 11 other arrests, 40 Safety Belt violations,  22 suspended Driver License violations, 25 Uninsured Motorist violations, and 293 speeding citations.

Every year more than 17,000 people are killed and another 305,000 people are injured as a result of impaired drivers.  Studies show that the average DUI driver commits this violation 80 times per year (once every 4 to 5 nights). National averages show that an alcohol related fatality occurs every 30 minutes.