The July 4th holiday weekend is officially underway and the Georgia State Patrol and local law enforcement urge you to celebrate responsibly. If you plan on drinking alcohol, plan ahead for a ride with a sober driver.
“This is your warning if you make the mistake of getting behind the wheel after drinking,” Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Director Allen Poole says. “It is too late to ask for a warning if you are found to be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You will be arrested and you will be taken to jail. No exceptions.”
Long holiday travel period
The holiday travel period this year is 102 hours long. It began at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 7. This year marks the one year anniversary of the Georgia Hands-Free Law which became effective July 1, 2018.
Last year, the holiday period was only 30 hours long. During that time, State troopers investigated 150 traffic crashes that resulted in 90 injuries and two fatalities. Local agencies investigated three fatalities. Additionally, troopers issued 6,367 citations, 8,465 warnings, and made 123 DUI arrests. The citations were for a range of things including 957 seat belt and 150 child restraint violations.
State troopers and officers will be on high visibility patrols during the 102-hour holiday period in an effort to keep the number of traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities at a minimum.
“With a record number of travelers hitting the roadways this holiday, we want everyone to pack a load of patience for traffic delays and to put safety first by following the posted speed limit, not driving while impaired, making sure all occupants are restrained, and keeping your hands off of your cell phones,” says Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety Colonel Mark W. McDonough.
Officers “will not hesitate” to arrest impaired and aggressive drivers
This holiday period, the Georgia State Patrol is participating in the Operation Zero Tolerance campaign, a nationwide mobilization against impaired driving, as well as the 100 Days of Summer H.E.A.T. (Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic) campaign. Troopers will be working alongside sheriff’s deputies and police officers to apprehend impaired drivers and crackdown on aggressive speeders and distracted drivers.
“Crashes caused by impaired drivers can be prevented. Drivers must take the initiative to plan ahead for their holiday activities by designating a sober driver and not driving impaired,” says McDonough. “State Troopers and Officers will not hesitate to arrest an impaired or aggressive driver.”
According to AAA, the worst day to travel on the roadways in Atlanta is Friday, July 5, and the worst time for travel is between 5 – 7 p.m.
