Georgia to focus on drunk drivers during holiday enforcement

Operation Zero Tolerance accompanying national DUI campaign through New Year’s

(ATLANTA) – Operation Zero Tolerance begins on Dec. 12 and that means increased patrols and high visibility enforcement in Georgia. During this DUI enforcement campaign and every day, if you’re over the limit, you’ll be under arrest. No warnings. No excuses.

The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is launching its annual zero tolerance campaign in conjunction with the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over initiative to remind all motorists that no matter where they go, impaired driving will not be tolerated. The legal blood alcohol limit is .08 in all 50 states so even if holiday travels take motorists over the state line, drunk drivers will spend the end of 2014 behind bars.

During the holiday period last year (Nov. 20 – Dec. 31), there were nearly 44,000 crashes that resulted in 13,142 injuries and 160 fatalities in Georgia. 18 people lost their lives to impaired drivers. While Georgia enforces its DUI laws year-round, law enforcement across the state will be stepping up enforcement during the holiday season, one of the most dangerous times to travel on Georgia roads.

“Impaired driving crashes and fatalities are completely avoidable,” said GOHS Director Harris Blackwood. “It’s that simple. Arrange for a designated driver before your festivities begin or offer to be the sober driver for your friends and family. I want everyone to be able to ring in 2015 with their loved ones.”

Drunk driving isn’t just a problem in Georgia. During the month of December in 2012, 830 people nationwide were killed in crashes involving at least one intoxicated driver. On average, 31 percent of all crash fatalities in America are alcohol-related, but on Christmas Day in 2012, that number increased to 36 percent.

“This is why you will see more troopers, police officers and deputies in highly visible patrols during the holidays,” Blackwood said. “It’s not just about getting drunk drivers off the road, but also deterring them from ever getting behind the wheel.”

To learn more about impaired driving safety and consequences as well as the Operation Zero Tolerance campaign, which will last through New Year’s Day, visit www.gahighwaysafety.org or call 404-656-6996.

Tips to Stay Safe

There are some simple recommendations for making sure you have a safe and sober holiday season:

• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your keys at home;
• If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation;
• If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement;
• If you see know someone who is about to drive or ride impaired, take that person’s keys and help him or her make other arrangements to get home safely.