FHP, FLHSMV Mourn the Loss of FHP Retired Colonel David H. Brierton Jr.

FHP, FLHSMV Mourn the Loss of FHP Retired Colonel David H. Brierton Jr.

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FHP, FLHSMV Mourn the Loss of FHP Retired Colonel David H. Brierton Jr.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes and Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Director Colonel Gene Spaulding released the following statement regarding the passing of Retired FHP Colonel David H. Brierton Jr:

“It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of Retired Colonel David H. Brierton Jr. Colonel Brierton was a valued member and leader of the Florida Highway Patrol for more than 32 years and served as the 11th Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. He will be truly missed by the entire FHP and FLHSMV family. We send our deepest condolences to the Brierton family – please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.”

Colonel Brierton began his career with the Florida Highway Patrol in 1983 as part of the 69th Recruit Class, and faithfully served the residents and visitors of Florida for more than 32 years. He began his career in Miami-Dade, serving as a trooper and a sergeant. In 1989, he was promoted to lieutenant and relocated to Bradenton before being promoted to captain in 1993 and returning to south Florida where he supervised operations in Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties.

In 2003, he was promoted to major and assigned to FHP Headquarters in Tallahassee, where he supervised Investigations and Professional Compliance. In 2006, he was appointed lieutenant colonel and charged with oversight of Patrol Operations, Investigations, Contraband Interdiction, Emergency Operations, and Homeland Security. He was appointed colonel in 2011 and retired in 2015.

Prior to joining the Florida Highway Patrol, Colonel Brierton served in the Army as a military police officer.

Please keep the Brierton family in your thoughts and prayers. They ask for privacy at this time as they grieve this devastating loss.

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The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) provides highway safety and security through excellence in service, education, and enforcement. Florida is leading the way to A Safer Florida through the efficient and professional execution of its core mission: the issuance of driver licenses, vehicle tags and titles and operation of the Florida Highway Patrol. To learn more about FLHSMV and the services offered, visit https://www.flhsmv.gov, follow us on Twitter @FLHSMV, find us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram.

‘Tis The Season To Travel Safely, Florida

‘Tis The Season To Travel Safely, Florida

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‘Tis The Season To Travel Safely, Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and its division of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) are working to keep all Florida drivers on the nice list this year by issuing reminders on how to stay safe on the roads during the busiest long-distance travel period of the year.

In December 2021, there were 35,859 crashes on Florida roadways that took the lives of 325 people and injured 1,524. In more than 28% of those crashes, the driver action reported for at least one of the drivers involved was operating a motor vehicle in a careless or negligent manner.

“Tragic crashes are unfortunately all too common, and often caused by someone who chose to not follow the law,” said FLHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes. “We see the heartbreak these crashes cause to families, friends, and communities; but seldom do we hear of the many crashes that are prevented by motorists who are courteous, sober, and focused on the road and their surroundings. These are the drivers that keep us safe and the type of driver all motorists should aspire to be this holiday season and into the new year.”

In December 2021, there were 917 alcohol-confirmed crashes, 96 drug-confirmed crashes, and 86 drug-and-alcohol-confirmed crashes, for a total of 1,099 crashes involving alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both in Florida. Under Florida law, DUI is an offense, proved by impairment of normal faculties by any substance or unlawful blood alcohol or breath alcohol level of .08 or above. If you see an impaired driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact local law enforcement or dial *FHP (*347). This call could save a life.

“Please remember to drink responsibly and make good decisions this holiday season,” said Colonel Gene Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “Not only your life but the lives of others are in jeopardy if you decide to drink or use drugs and drive. FHP troopers will be aggressively enforcing impaired driving laws to ensure the safety of the citizens and visitors of Florida.”

To help ensure your safety, FHP will be out in force on the highways to aid motorists and remove dangerous drivers from the road. FHP Auxiliary Troopers will also volunteer to augment FHP during the holiday period. FHP’s increased presence throughout Florida helps to deter traffic violations and enhances services to motorists who need assistance while traveling.

No matter the season, as you celebrate, FLHSMV has got you covered with helpful tips to keep you safe on the road. Additional campaign information including downloadable graphics, safety tips, and resources can be found on the FLHSMV Safe Holiday Travel webpage.

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The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) provides highway safety and security through excellence in service, education, and enforcement. Florida is leading the way to A Safer Florida through the efficient and professional execution of its core mission: the issuance of driver licenses, vehicle tags and titles and operation of the Florida Highway Patrol. To learn more about FLHSMV and the services offered, visit https://www.flhsmv.gov, follow us on Twitter @FLHSMV, find us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram.

Ahead Of Florida’s Busy Holiday Travel Season, FLHSMV Launches Driver Safety Education Campaign

Ahead Of Florida’s Busy Holiday Travel Season, FLHSMV Launches Driver Safety Education Campaign

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Ahead Of Florida’s Busy Holiday Travel Season, FLHSMV Launches Driver Safety Education Campaign

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and its division of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) launched the Safe Holiday Travel campaign to ensure the safety of all road users this holiday season. Millions of Floridians and visitors are expected to travel on Florida’s roadways over the next two months, the busiest long-distance travel period of the year, and FLHSMV will be educating Floridians and visitors throughout the holiday season on all aspects of safe driving. The multi-phased safety messaging will be staggered throughout November and December, starting first with a focus on having a road-ready vehicle. Tires are a vehicle’s first line of defense on the road, so it’s critical to check your tires before hitting the road. In 2021, there were 2,811 tire-related crashes in Florida, resulting in 176 serious bodily injuries and 32 fatalities. “Florida continues to be a top holiday destination for visitors and residents, making our roads some of the busiest during the upcoming months,” said FLHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes. “As you prepare to hit the road this Thanksgiving, or at any point this holiday season, make sure you and your vehicle are ready for the trip, always buckle up, and remember that safety is always in season.” Last year, during the five-day Thanksgiving travel period (Wednesday to Sunday), there were 4,585 crashes on Florida roads. The most crashes occurred on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving Day, while the least crashes occurred on Thanksgiving Day during that period. 2021 Thanksgiving Travel Crash Data
Day Crash Events Fatalities Serious Injuries
Wed. 11/24 1,205 8 53
Thur. 11/25 687 12 45
Fri. 11/26 935 7 63
Sat. 11/27 962 13 57
Sun. 11/28 796 9 37
Totals 4,585 49 255
Source: Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
  “Florida Highway Patrol troopers will be out in force this holiday season to keep our roadways safe,” said Colonel Gene Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “Please make good decisions and Arrive Alive this holiday season. Never drive impaired.” FLHSMV and its partners are committed to the safety of all motorists on our roads and educating everyone on safe driving throughout the holiday season – and year-round – because safety is always in season. “The holidays are a joyful time of year, and many Floridians and visitors will be traveling and celebrating the season with family and friends,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “We encourage everyone to be mindful of safety and to realize the holidays bring a surge of people and vehicles to Florida’s roadways. An increase in traffic means we need to have more patience while behind the wheel, buckle up, and watch our speed. Good driving behaviors help ensure we can all reach our destinations safely this holiday season.” “The Florida Police Chiefs Association stands with our partners in public safety to promote Safe Holiday Travel,” said Fellsmere Police Department Chief Keith Touchberry, President of the Florida Chiefs Association. “Roads and highways are busier than ever this time of year, so whether you’re traveling to visit family or simply navigating the shopping season, make sure your vehicle is in good working order, obey traffic laws, and remember that Florida’s law enforcement officers will be on the roads to ensure your safety.” “The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year to travel,” said Sheriff Al Nienhuis, President, Florida Sheriffs Association. “The Sheriffs of Florida and our teams are patrolling the roads to do our part to get you to your destination. In return, we ask that you prioritize safety by never driving impaired, wearing your seatbelt, and planning your route. Together, we can arrive alive and enjoy a happy and safe holiday season.” “Impaired driving is never safe driving,” said Michele Harris, Florida Public Affairs Director for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Enjoy the holidays with loved ones and keep in mind that safety should be a top priority.” No matter what season, as you celebrate, FLHSMV has got you covered with helpful tips to keep you safe on the road. Additional campaign information including downloadable graphics, safety tips, and resources can be found on the FLHSMV Safe Holiday Travel webpage. ### The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) provides highway safety and security through excellence in service, education, and enforcement. Florida is leading the way to A Safer Florida through the efficient and professional execution of its core mission: the issuance of driver licenses, vehicle tags and titles and operation of the Florida Highway Patrol. To learn more about FLHSMV and the services offered, visit https://www.flhsmv.gov, follow us on Twitter @FLHSMV, find us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram.