Police agencies warning people about DUIs

Police agencies say only you can control whether or not you’re pulled over for drunk driving. Jacksonville Beach Sgt. Tony Dziedzicki said Memorial Day does not give you a free pass for driving under the influence.

On average, Dziedzicki tells Action News Jax, a first DUI arrest can cost about $30, 000. That's to cover the traffic ticket, tow bill, initial arrest and bond, along with attorney and court fees.

Officers told us the best way to prevent being pulled over for a DUI is to have a plan. They said if you even think about drinking, hand your keys over to a designated driver.

“There’s people that get arrested for DUIs, manslaughter, causing traffic fatalities. It’s not only going to impact them, it’s going to impact their family and the victims' families,” said Dziedzicki.

The most recent information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says nearly 10,000 people died from drunk crashes in 2014.

Officers said people need to consider alternative ways of getting home, like getting a taxi ride, calling Uber or using the AAA program "Tow to Go." That program allows members and nonmembers to have their car towed home within a 10-mile radius for free.

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