Florida is among ten states in the country that have the lowest percentage deaths involving drunk drivers according to an annual report published by MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving). The report, generated around the Thanksgiving holiday, uses highway traffic related information to compile the results from the survey.

Florida ranks ninth with an estimated 27% of traffic deaths involving drunk drivers. The time period between Thanksgiving and New Years is notoriously the deadliest time of year on the roads primarily because of the increased traffic volume related to traveling to see family and holiday shopping. Florida is no exception to this increase in travel because it is holiday destination and an escape from the bitter cold for the northerners.
The low percentage in Florida, specifically in counties such as Hillsborough, Sarasota, Polk, Pinellas & Bradenton, can be attributed to a saturation of DUI officers assigned to areas near bars, clubs and shopping malls.
In Hillsborough County for example, the Hillsborough County Sheriff posts on its’ website “Operation 3D” – Don’t Drink and Drive. Every month, the Sheriff’s Office updates the areas of interest for ‘saturation’ of DUI officers as well as locations for checkpoints. Checkpoints can be a significant deterrent for drunk driving as long as they are conducted properly.