Memorial Day weekend is here: It marks the unofficial start to summer and is one of the busiest travel holidays of the year. That means more cars are on the road and more law enforcement officers are out there, too. Georgia State Troopers, local police and Sheriff’s deputies are increasing their patrols in an attempt to keep traveler’s safe.
“Troopers will be patrolling for unsafe drivers on the interstates and secondary roads throughout the weekend,” says Georgia Public Safety Commissioner Colonel Mark W. McDonough. “They will concentrate on locating impaired drivers, unrestrained drivers and passengers, speeding violations as well as distracted drivers during their holiday patrols.”
Georgia’s ‘Click It or Ticket’ campaign is in full swing now through June 5. Because Georgia has a primary seat belt law, officers can stop any driver they observe as being unbuckled.
Last year, Georgia saw an increase in traffic fatalities for the first time in nine years. “While it can’t be said for sure that each death could’ve been prevented by a buckled seatbelt,” says Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Director Harris Blackwood, “it’s a fact that properly buckled belts can help save lives.”
Rollover ConvincerYou should always wear your seat belt. Need convincing?
Watch this video of our “rollover convincer” to see what happens when you don’t wear a seat belt during a rollover. #clickitorticketPosted by Texas Department of Transportation on Friday, May 15, 2015
The Habersham County Sheriff’s Office is among the agencies participating in the statewide Click It or Ticket campaign. “We will be partnering with the Georgia State Patrol and other local agencies with stepped up enforcement through concentrated patrols, safety seatbelt checks and education events,” says HCSO Lt. Floyd Canup.
In addition to wearing your seatbelt, not drinking and driving and no texting behind the wheel, officials urge Memorial Day travelers to leave early so you Arrive Alive. “Traffic will be heavy throughout the Memorial Day holiday weekend,” Col. McDonough says, “and the Georgia State Patrol reminds drivers to also allow extra time to reach their destinations as they take to the highways.”
