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Published on Saturday, December 25, 2004
in the Tampa Tribune

Drink, drive and you could lose your job

BROOKSVILLE -- There is a sure way for county employees to get fired - drink and drive.

County Human Resources Director Barbara Dupre has reminded county employees that driving drunk or getting a reckless driving citation during the holidays will probably cost them their jobs.

"Usually, it's the person's first and only mistake," Dupre said. "But it doesn't matter. There are very severe consequences to driving under the influence of alcohol.

"If you rely on your driver's license for your income, make sure you have a designated driver," she said.

Many of the county's jobs require a driver's license or a license to drive heavy equipment, Dupre said.

At best, the employee would lose his job and be allowed to apply for another county job that does not require a driver's license, according to Dupre.

"But there aren't many positions like that available," she said.

And most of the county departments, such as public works, utilities and parks, require employees to have a driver's license, she said.

Typically, a few employees each year lose their driver's license. But the holidays are likely the most tempting period to get behind the wheel.

Employees do not realize they had too much to drink or believe they will not be stopped by law enforcement, she said.

Drivers stopped by police for DUIs have few options when trying to protect their jobs.

Florida law allows the driver to petition the Florida Highway Patrol for a "hardship" license to drive to and from work but the process usually takes 30 days.

County records show that many employees with years at their county posts have lost their jobs and were forced to transfer after getting a DUI.

A county employee's career, retirement plans and family income could come to a crashing halt with one too many drinks or a reckless driving charge, Dupre warned.

Florida Highway Patrol officials are warning they will strictly enforce state drinking and driving laws and laws requiring drivers to use seatbelts.

For drivers who drink and do not think they should be driving, there is another way home.

Drivers can call 1-800-AAA-HELP.

AAA will dispatch a tow truck to take the driver and vehicle home free of charge. The service is available through Jan. 1.

Florida Highway Patrol officials are also encouraging motorists with cellular phones to report drunk drivers by dialing star-FHP.