FORT MYERS, Fla – On Thursday, Lee County first responders will hold a press conference to share ways to make our roads safer this holiday season. This is something they do every December, but this month they're bringing awareness to a new driving hazard.
First responders are calling this the 4D press conference. Many people are familiar with the 3D’s: drinking, drugs and distracted driving.
This December, they'll also focus on a fourth: drowsy driving.
New data shows that when it comes to Lee County roadways, there have been 89 deadly accidents this year alone, as of late November.
“We have 89 families that are missing someone. Until that hits your home, you may not feel it. But the unfortunate reality is last year in the state, we lost 3,174 lives. That should rock us all to our heels,” said Lt. Greg Bueno.
Thursday, Florida Highway Patrol, The Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Cape Cora Police Departments, Fort Myers Police Departments and the Lee County Trauma District will share that safe driving message.
The goal is to spread awareness of the deadly effects of distracted and impaired driving. Last year, data showed Lee County saw a 2.8% increase in deadly crashes that involved alcohol.
That's despite the fact that nationally that number went down.
The press conference is set to get started at 9:30 a.m.
