Over Memorial Day weekend, the Tampa Police Department conducted Operation Zero Proof, aimed at reducing impaired driving and increasing safety on roads and waterways. According to the City of Tampa release, the operation took place from Friday last week to Monday and resulted in 27 DUI arrests, a decrease from 40 during the same period last year.
During the enforcement period, officers issued 442 traffic citations and 856 warnings. On the waterways, police conducted 58 vessel stops, issued 18 boating citations, and gave 33 warnings. No boating under the influence (BUI) arrests were reported.
In the days leading up to the holiday, the department encouraged the public to use designated drivers or rideshare services and reminded boaters to follow safety guidelines, including staying sober and wearing life jackets.
Despite overall enforcement efforts, one fatality and one serious injury related to impaired driving were reported. The Tampa Police Department stated it will continue efforts to reduce such incidents through enforcement and public safety initiatives.
