DNR, GSP Team Up to Crack Down on Impaired Boaters, Motorists

With the Holiday weekend coming, Georgia and South Carolina Law enforcement agencies are gearing up for a busy weekend.

The Georgia Department of Natural Recources will be doing their part on the water, and the Georgia State Patrol will also be doing their part on the roadways.

Additionally, the Governors Office of Highway Safety is teaming up with DNR and GSP to help make this holiday weekend safe for boaters and drivers.

GSP along with local law enforcement agencies will be cracking down on drivers who don’t wear their seatbelt, are distracted, or are driving under the influence.

At a press conference Wednesday at Big Oaks Recreation area in Hartwell to kick of the weekends activities, the Commissioner of Public Safety, Col. Mark McDonald said distracted drivers due to cell phone use is a major cause of serious accidents.

“The distracted driving issue caused by this device is incredible,” McDonald said holding up a cellphone. “Folks just can’t seem to put it down, not check the weather, answer that text message; and what does that it do? It takes their attention off the roadway and puts it on this device. One vehicle leaves the roadway, over corrects and ends up wrecking.”

McDonald also stressed the importance of wearing seatbelts.

“The number one message from us this holiday season, what you can do for yourself and what you can do for your kids is to make sure that you’re properly restrained,” McDonald said.

McDonald also stated that officers would be looking for persons driving under the influence.

He urged everyone to drive safely and have a good holiday weekend.