The tried and true method of issuing speeding tickets typically entails a officer in a police cruiser using radar or a laser to track your vehicle's speed. But, last year, fixed wing Cessna aircraft piloted by law enforcement issued approximately 45,000 Florida traffic citations. About 38,000 of those infractions involved speeding violations.
A Simple Stop Watch
Unlike apprehending speeders on the ground, catching them in the air does not involve any radar or laser equipment. Instead, operators of these traffic control planes rely on a stopwatch and fixed points of distance measurement on the road. Armed with these fairly simple tools, pilots are able to measure how fast a car travels from point "A" to point "B" and calculate how fast that driver was going. If the driver is speeding, the pilot merely radios down to ground support, directing them to pull over the suspect vehicle.
An Eye in the Sky
But don’t let the simple stop watch fool you. While these pilots might be engaged in catching speeders most of the time, they are still on the lookout for drunk drivers. Captain Matt Walker, the Florida Highway Patrol’s chief pilot, says that there are about 150 arrests made each year where pilots have spotted impaired drivers and thereafter radioed their fellow officers who have effectuated an arrest.
Pilots can tell if a vehicle is being operated erratically or if it fails to drive in a single lane. They are also able to spot aggressive driving or even vehicles that are being operated to slowly given the posted speed limit and traffic pattern. This "eye in the sky" can often give them a unique perspective; almost akin to the camera angle of the Goodyear Blimp focusing on the football action down below.
What Happens Next
If the motorist is ultimately arrested for DUI, he may even be subject to "on the spot" mobile breath testing, which arguably lends greater credibility to the results since the breath test samples are secured in close proximity to the motorist's time of driving. If the DUI impairment is suspected to be related to drugs,as opposed to alcohol, Florida's Implied Consent Law will mandate the driver provide a urine sample or suffer the administrative suspension of his privilege to drive for twelve months. However, a lawyer can challenge these administrative suspensions at a DHSMV hearing
If You Are Arrested For DUI...
Getting charged with a DUI can lead to complex consequences and can, justifiably, be a very difficult time in someone's life. The most pressing issue is getting your drivers license back. If you are arrested for DUI in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Gulfport, Largo, or other city within Pinellas County, we can help. We can explain the necessary steps needed to safeguard your driving privilege. We can also do a thorough evaluation of your DUI case and explain all of your options.
The penalties connected to a DUI conviction in Florida have continued to become increasingly severe after each legislative session. As such, somebody convicted of their first DUI may now face a long list of counseling requirements, a DUI instruction course, community service, fines and in some cases even the installation of an ignition interlock device on their vehicle. Additionally, there are numerous other "side effects" of being convicted of DUI, including high insurance premiums and mandatory driver's license suspensions.
We are Former State Prosecutors Who Have Learned Street Level DUI Enforcement Tactics From the Inside - We Can Help!
Russo & Russo are attorneys representing clients charged with DUI and other criminal offenses arising out of St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and all other areas of Pinellas County.
Call Us For a Free Consultation: (727 578-0303
Visit All of Our DUI Website Pages at: www.duistpetersburglawyer.com
Comprehensive Pinellas Defense Website: www.defensehelp.com
Other Links:
Why Choose Us to Help in Your DUI Case
Florida Highway Patrol 2004 Aviation Report
DUI and Pilots
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