Published on Sunday, May 27, 2007
in the Central Florida News 13

FHP Increases Troopers Over Weekend

Everybody recognizes the sound of a siren, and if it's right behind you, you probably aren't happy to hear it. Richard August wasn't when Florida Highway Patrol pulled him over on Saturday for going 70 in a 55 mile-per-hour zone.

"They're doing their job, and I was wrong," he said.

FHP said with millions of drivers hitting the roads this Memorial Day weekend, they're putting extra troopers on patrol as an added precaution, and it's a precaution they say people should take seriously."

"We have selective enforcement patrols out where we've been experiencing high DUI areas, and we have troopers assigned specifically to do that,” said Lt. Eddie Herrell.

"We’re trying to enforce seatbelt violations, a lot of aggressive driving and, of course, DUI," said Trooper Peter C. Hooker.

Hooker said drivers should play it safe, or they’ll end up sorry.

"We're out there and we will get you," he said.

It's a lesson August learned the hard way.

"Watch out, they're everywhere," he said.