Photo/Story Gallery 2004

Operation Sunrise to Sunset

Ft. Myers District Troopers with Colonel Knight.The Florida Highway Patrol, Fort Myers District, was the host agency of the Joint Task Force of State Law Enforcement Officers against aggressive driving and other hazardous moving traffic violations.

Pictured: Ft. Myers District Troopers with Colonel Chris Knight.

This enforcement operation was held on July 30, 2004, from sunrise (6:52 a.m.) to sunset (8:16 p.m.). The Ft. Myers District was proud to participate in this operation, which included a surprise visit from Colonel Christopher A. Knight, the Director of the Florida Highway Patrol.

Colonel Knight with Ft. Myers Troopers. Ft. Myers District Troopers The Florida Highway Patrol, in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Motor Carrier Compliance Office, conducted a “zero tolerance” traffic law enforcement operation on Interstate 75 within Lee County.

FHP personnel wanted to send a clear message, that all troopers and FDOT officers would be using aircraft, unmarked cars, covert vehicles, radar, and laser to strictly enforce the speed limit as well as all other traffic laws to ensure the safety of motorists traveling on Interstate 75. Special emphasis was placed on the “Move-Over Law”, following too close, improper lane changes and aggressive driving.

Sgt. Taylor operating the Laser in DOT's lift truck A closer view of Sgt. Taylor operating the Laser in DOT's lift truckThis operation was a great success and calls received in the Ft. Myers Regional Communications Center from motorists reporting aggressive and reckless drivers were greatly reduced. Operation Sunrise to Sunset also featured a covert FHP car that traveled along Interstate 75 calling out aggressive drivers to nearby marked FHP units.

Pictured: Sgt. Dan Taylor operates the Laser in DOT’s lift truck.

The overall mission of this operation was to provide a safe driving environment to the motoring public traveling through Lee County and significantly reduce incidents of aggressive and reckless driving. The results of Operation Sunrise to Sunset speaks volumes concerning the effort that went into this enforcement detail, which was considered a great success.

ACTIVITY BREAKDOWN
Total Citations 512
Total Misdemeanor Citations 6
Total Warnings 24
Faulty Equipment Notices 5
Total Miles Patrolled 1857
Speed Citations 323
Move-Over Citations 58
Aggressive Driving 22
Restraint Citations 5
Driving While License Suspended 6
Insurance Violations 8
Following Too Close 2
Drugs 0
Other Citations (including DOT) 94

**Aggressive / Reckless Driving calls were reduced by 66% while the operation was in progress **