State, Local Law Enforcement Out in Force This Weekend

With the fourth of July weekend now upon us, a lot of people will be heading out on the roads for Holiday trips or vacations.

The official holiday period begins tonight at 6p and ends at midnight Monday.

The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, the Georgia State Patrol and local law enforcement officers will be keeping an eye out for impaired drivers during this Holiday weekend.

They will also be looking for speeders, aggressive drivers, unbuckled drivers and passengers, and other traffic safety violations during the 78 hour holiday period.

Director Of The Governors Office Of Highway Safety, Harris Blackwood says the will be looking closely for impaired and distracted drivers.

“We’re trying to do everything we can to make sure we hold down the number of accidents and injuries on the road,” he said.

Blackwood says, it’s no coincidence that the Independence Day holiday just happens to fall in the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety’s 100 days of Summer HEAT program.

“We know a lot of people will be heading to Lake Hartwell to enjoy time with their friends and family. We’re asking people to do the right thing and buckle their seatbelt, put down the phone,” he said. “Make a plan for how you’re going to get home if you plan to drink.”

Sergeant Al Whitworth is the Commander of the Hartwell Post the Georgia State Patrol.

Whitworth says the GSP will be a full staff and full force on the highways.

“We will have a heavy focus on the Interstate and on roads to and from the lake area,” Whitworth explained. “We will make sure people will be wearing their seatbelts and children are properly restrained in the vehicle.”

Whitworth says a big focus this weekend is being placed not only on DUI’s but on distracted drivers as well.

“We’re trying to make sure people are not using their cellphones and texting while driving. There has been a dramatic increase in fatalities and injuries due to distracted driving,” he said. “We’re trying to put more focus on that now along with DUI’s.”

Blackwood said cell phone users can download the free GOHS Diver Sober Ga app.

This app will dial the number of ride services and cab companies that will come and pick you up if you are too impaired to drive.

Additionally, Triple A offers their Tow To Go service, which gives impaired drivers free rides home.