Law enforcement agencies all across Georgia are joining forces to crack down on DUI, speeding, distracted driving, and violations of other traffic laws to reduce the number of crashes, injuries and deaths during the holiday season. They’re warning drivers they will go straight to jail.
The increased enforcement effort is part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, which runs from December 18, 2020 through January 1, 2020.
The pandemic may put fewer vehicles on the road, but state troopers say all impaired drivers will be arrested and no warnings will be issued.
Georgia’s legal limit for blood alcohol concentration is .08.
Sobriety checkpoints will be set up throughout the state. Officials say a DUI arrest could cost drivers up to $10,000 in fines, legal fees, court costs and higher insurance premiums.
In Georgia, 375 out of the 1,504 traffic fatalities in 2018 were alcohol related. That’s 25 percent of all traffic deaths in the state. 14 people died on Georgia roads from 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve to 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 26.
All motorists can use the following tips to stay safe, focused, sober and patient while traveling:
- Plan ahead for a sober ride.
- Arrange for a designated driver, use a rideshare service or program the numbers for cab companies into your phone.
- You can also plan to use public transportation, but check schedules ahead of time in case service is altered during the holiday.
- Don’t try to make up time by speeding. Because of extra traffic on the road, leave for your destination earlier than needed to allow for increased travel time.
- Make sure everyone in your vehicle is wearing their seat belt and all children under 8 are riding in an approved child passenger safety seat or booster seat.
- Limit driver distractions by staying off phones. Program GPS before you get on the road or have a passenger be in charge of navigation.
- Take breaks to avoid drowsy driving: Plan rest stops as needed and alternate drivers if possible!
Drivers can benefit from understanding state laws and penalties pertaining to impaired driving, especially now that the holidays are near.
The same safe driving practices that are taught in A-1’s Defensive Driving Class can be applied to be a safe driver in a car and on a motorcycle. There is a lot of very useful and informative information in the class and it will apply whether you have been driving for years or you are a brand new driver.
For more information about class schedules or to see A-1’s 19 convenient locations call (770)962-9555 or visit us at www.a1drivingschool.com!
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