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Law enforcement kick off weekend checkpoints

NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. — Get used to seeing those red and blue lights this weekend, especially if you're traveling through Nassau County. Action News rode along with one of the men responsible for keeping drivers safe this holiday weekend.

Trooper First Class Greg Healy with Florida Highway Patrol drove us through the worst intersections for crashes, most of which were along State Road 200, which is where FHP troopers have their checkpoint set up.

"That's one reason why we chose this roadway, is because of the number of crashes we have on this roadway," said Healy.

Last year, 34 people were killed on Florida roadways during Labor Day weekend. It's a high number that doesn't sit well with Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

"I meet their families after tragedy has struck and we hope that events like tonight stop that from ever happening again," said Jill Leslie, executive director for MADD Northeast Florida.

Every third driver will be stopped and asked to show their license.

If they're not wearing a seat belt, have an outstanding warrant, reek of alcohol or seem impaired, they will be ticketed or taken into custody. On a holiday weekend, Trooper Healy may typically arrest three or four people. This weekend, his goal is zero.

"I will deliberately drive by the bars on purpose with my marked unit, slow down so they see me, because if I can keep one person from leaving that bar impaired and they make other arrangements, I'm successful," said Healy.

Just under 60 officers from FHP, Nassau County Sheriff’s Office and Fernandina Beach police will be patrolling this weekend.