Hiram Joins State to Focus on Drunk Drivers During Holiday Enforcement

From City of Hiram press release

Operation Zero Tolerance began on Dec. 12 and that means increased patrols and high visibility enforcement in Georgia. During this DUI enforcement campaign and every day, if you’re over the limit, you’ll be under arrest. No warnings. No excuses.

The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is launching its annual zero tolerance campaign in conjunction with the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over initiative to remind all motorists that no matter where they go, impaired driving will not be tolerated. The legal blood alcohol limit is .08 in all 50 states so even if holiday travels take motorists over the state line, drunk drivers will spend the end of 2014 behind bars.

During the holiday period last year (Nov. 20 – Dec. 31), there were nearly 44,000 crashes that resulted in 13,142 injuries and 160 fatalities in Georgia. 18 people lost their lives to impaired drivers. While Georgia enforces its DUI laws year-round, law enforcement across the state will be stepping up enforcement during the holiday season, one of the most dangerous times to travel on Georgia roads.

“Impaired driving crashes and fatalities are completely avoidable,” said GOHS Director Harris Blackwood. “It’s that simple. Arrange for a designated driver before your festivities begin or offer to be the sober driver for your friends and family. I want everyone to be able to ring in 2015 with their loved ones.”

Drunk driving isn’t just a problem in Georgia. During the month of December in 2012, 830 people nationwide were killed in crashes involving at least one intoxicated driver. On average, 31percent of all crash fatalities in America are alcohol-related, but on Christmas Day in 2012, that number increased to 36 percent.

According to the city manager of Hiram, Robbie Rokovitz, “The Hiram Police Department is committed to joining the efforts of State troopers and County Deputies with highly visible patrols during the holidays.” “It’s not just about removing drunk drivers from our city streets, but also being proactive by letting drivers know what they can expect should they make poor decisions and place lives in jeopardy,” continued Rokovitz.

To learn more about impaired driving safety and consequences as well as the Operation Zero Tolerance campaign, which will last through New Year’s Day, visit www.gahighwaysafety.org or call 404-656-6996.