‘Renewed focus on impaired driving:’ Jacksonville police arrest 33 for DUI over Thanksgiving weekend

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said it made 33 driving under the influence-related arrests over the Thanksgiving weekend.

Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said there will be a “renewed focus” by JSO on impaired driving in Duval County.

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“We also have a heavy focus on aggressive driving, street racing and roadway takeovers and any other violation that endangers our community on its roadways, and that’s my promise to you,” Waters said.

Lt. Kenneth Lamb, who oversees JSO’s specialized traffic enforcement unit, said there have been 38 fewer traffic fatalities in 2022 versus last year. He credited the work of JSO officers for this reduction, but also the citizens of Jacksonville.

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“We are absolutely blessed to have an engaged and empowered citizenry that partners with law enforcement to report motorists who appear to be impaired based on their driving behaviors,” Lamb said.

JSO uses a traffic dashboard to help figure out where to deploy officers throughout the city when looking for impaired drivers, Lamb said.

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He said there is no specific age or demographic responsible for impaired driving, and it “runs the gamut,” in terms of the people who were arrested over Thanksgiving weekend.

Lamb reminded the public of the upcoming holiday campaign by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” which runs from Dec. 18 through Jan. 1, and said JSO would continue its patrol efforts over the holidays. He said those who become impaired over the holidays should make arrangements to travel without getting behind the wheel.

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