Sobriety Crackdown Kicks Off Statewide Wednesday

Law enforcement agencies across Georgia will be stepping up sobriety enforcement campaigns Wednesday, actively searching for and arresting impaired drivers through Jan. 1, 2016.

“This has been a rough year in Georgia for traffic fatalities and impaired driving, along with distracted driving and unbelted crashes, is a big part of that,” GOHS Director Harris Blackwood said. “If caught driving impaired, you will not get a warning. You will be arrested and you will go to jail.”

During the 2014 holiday travel period in Georgia, there were 14 traffic deaths in only 102 hours from 6 p.m. on Dec. 24 to midnight on Dec. 28. During all of 2014, there were 165 alcohol-involved traffic deaths.

GOHS is also reminding Georgia motorists that a sober ride home is always within their reach by downloading the “Drive Sober, Georgia” app for Apple and Android devices. Free sober rides home are also available through Checker Cab and AAA’s Tow To Go from Christmas Eve through Jan. 2.

In addition, GOHS is reminding all sober motorists to remain alert during the holidays. If you see a drunk driver on the road, report it right away by calling 9-1-1 or dialing *GSP on your cell phone, which will connect you to the nearest state patrol post.

For more information on GOHS and its impaired driving efforts, visit www.gahighwaysafety.org.