JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office warned drivers to drive safe and sober on Sunday as they return home from Super Bowl festivities.
The agency said officers will be aggressively hunting for intoxicated drivers to keep the streets safe.
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“Typically, there’s a lot more alcohol involved DUIs on Super Bowl night. So, we’re definitely keeping our eye out for that,” said Sergeant Mike Gajewski with JSO’s DUI Unit.
We caught up with Sergeant Gajewski and Officer Ernesto Valerio, who is also with JSO’s DUI Unit, ahead of the big game.
In recent months, the unit has been conducting DUI checkpoints and putting out videos highlighting enforcement efforts to educate the community about the dangers and consequences of drunk driving.
“We are constantly trying to educate the public on avoiding driving impaired. We’d much rather they avoid it than have contact with us and end up going to jail for it,” said Gajewski.
Gajewski noted the best way to avoid getting stuck without a safe ride, is to plan a way home in advance.
“Maybe get a designated driver, like you’ve heard for 30 years. Designate a driver that’s sober to drive everybody. If not, there are plenty of other options. There’s taxi service, there’s rideshare options. You have Lyft, you have Uber,” said Gajewski.
And Officer Valerio added even for those who do the right thing and stay sober, they’ll need to be extra cautious on the roads after the game.
“Definitely do not be on your cell phone. Once you start driving, focus on your driving, but you’re also going to have to be paying attention to other vehicles. Cause unexpectedly you’re going to have people improper lane changes, people speeding up on you and you need to be alert for those things,” said Valerio.
JSO asked the public to call 911 or the agency’s nonemergency number if you are on the road and notice a someone driving suspiciously or dangerously.
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