Florida’s new “Super Speeder” law took effect on July 1, imposing tougher penalties on drivers caught going more than 50 miles per hour over the speed limit or exceeding 100 mph.

Since then, Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has arrested three drivers under the law—including one in Altamonte Springs clocked at 155 mph this past Sunday.

To showcase their enforcement efforts, FHP gave Spectrum News 13 an exclusive ride-along on Monday. Trooper Jonathan Cabral, a recruiter with FHP Troop D, pointed out that high-speed drivers are common, particularly on stretches like the I-4 Express Lane.

“You’ll probably see a lot of higher 80s and even a lot of 90 mile per hour travelers on this runway,” Cabral said, noting that excessive speeding has become increasingly dangerous.

During the ride-along, Cabral pulled over a driver going 90 in a 60 mph zone. Riding along in his patrol car, nicknamed “Bandicoot,” the news crew got a firsthand look at how troopers monitor traffic and enforce the new law.

“The Highway Patrol is very serious about this. We’re not out here to play around,” Cabral said. “If you’re going 50 over the posted limit or more than 100 mph, and you’re affecting traffic, we are going to put you in jail, and we are going to impound your car.”

Cabral calls super speeding a growing and dangerous trend in Florida. He hopes increased awareness and enforcement will make roads safer.

“Especially with the Super Speeder Law, you can go to jail,” Cabral told another driver. “You’re almost close to jail time right there with a 30-day impound on your vehicle. I don’t want that to happen to you, nor do I want you to get hurt.”

One recent traffic stop involved Joshua Elliot, a truck driver who had recently moved to Central Florida from Indiana. He told Cabral he’s already seen the consequences of reckless speeding on Florida roads.

“I’ve seen a lot of bad wrecks since I’ve been here in this short amount of time, and I’m pretty sure I’ve seen two fatalities because of it,” Elliot said. “So, I think it’s a good law.”

Cabral says the human cost is what drives him to take enforcement seriously.

“It kind of resonates with me—the thought of, if that person had the opportunity to say sorry to me, would they do it again?” Cabral said. “But unfortunately, in this life, you don’t get second chances all the time.”

To bolster enforcement and staffing, FHP is holding a streamlined hiring event from August 18 to 22. Candidates can complete up to 70% of the application process during the event, and Cabral says he’ll be closely involved in welcoming the next generation of troopers.

More information and RSVP details are available on the FHP recruitment website.

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