The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the Flagler Beach Police Department (FBPD), and the Bunnell Police Department (BPD), are combining efforts to participate in Operations T.I.D.E.S. Operations T.I.D.E.S. is a countywide traffic education and enforcement operation focusing on deterring Texting while driving, Impaired driving, driving while Distracted or Exhausted, and Speeding (T.I.D.E.S.).
Operation T.I.D.E.S. will involve enforcement, education, and awareness in an effort to reduce fatal crashes, serious injury crashes, and aggressive driving.  Flagler County experienced an increase in fatal crashes and crashes with injuries in 2020 and the data revealed the majority of the crashes occurred on state roads.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) there was a decrease in traffic fatalities during 2019 as compared to 2018. However, in 2020 fatal crashes increased nationwide primarily due to the impact of the National COVID-19 pandemic emergency situation. Although the total traffic volume decreased in 2020 due to stay at home orders, studies suggests that during the COVID-19 pandemic driving patterns and behaviors changed and drivers engaged in more risky behaviors, including speeding, failing to wear seatbelts, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
“It’s time to change the tides in Flagler County and get back to safe and cautious driving,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “The purpose of Operation TIDES is to remind the community that reckless driving behaviors are extremely dangerous and will not be tolerated. Agencies participating in this operation will be stepping-up enforcement efforts within our jurisdiction in an effort to save lives by preventing improper driving habits, which jeopardizes the public safety of others traveling on roadways within Flagler County. We appreciate our partners joining us to save lives in this year-long operation.”
The focus for the operation will be state roads including Interstate 95, US-1, SR-11, SR-100, and SRA1A. A joint operation is planned for each month in 2021.
Media Release, Date: March 22, 2021
Prepared by: Shannon Martin
Phone and Email: (386) 586-4802; martin@flaglersheriff.com Release #: 2021-054
