Georgia State Patrol Focusing on Impaired Drivers

The Georgia State Patrol will be watching for impaired drivers, speeders and unrestrained drivers and passengers during Christmas and New Year’s holiday travel periods, according to a GSP announcement. Troopers are cautioning drivers to designate a sober driver if alcohol consumption will be part of holoday celebrations.

The Christmas holiday travel period begins Friday, Dec. 23, at 6 p.m. and ends Monday night, Dec. 26. The New Year’s holiday period starts Friday, Dec. 30, at 6 p.m. and concludes Monday night, Jan. 2. Both holiday periods are 78 hours long.

“Each holiday period, troopers are called to investigate traffic crashes involving serious injuries or fatalities, and these crashes could have been prevented,” Col. Mark McDonough, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety, said in the announcement.

Last year during the Christmas holiday period, the Georgia State Patrol investigated 351 traffic crashes which resulted in 280 injuries and three fatalities. Troopers arrested 95 people for driving under the influence. During the New Year’s holiday period, troopers investigated 320 traffic crashes in Georgia that resulted in 270 injuries and seven traffic deaths. The GSP reported that 174 people were arrested for DUI.

Col. McDonough reminded drivers to prepare their vehicles before leaving on a long trip by checking the air pressure in the tires; replacing windshield wiper blades if worn; ensuring that all headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and tag lights are working; and measuring the vehicle’s fluid levels. “Before leaving on the trip, make sure everyone is properly restrained, take frequent rest stops along the way, and don’t speed,” he added.

“This is a festive time of the year, and we want everyone to enjoy the holiday season,” Colonel McDonough said, “but we also want everyone to be safe on our highways.”