ATLANTA, Ga. — Law enforcement in Georgia is increasing its presence throughout the state this weekend.
The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE) are urging motorists to prioritize safety and responsibility during the weekend’s 78-hour Independence Day holiday travel period. The holiday travel period began at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, and concludes at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 5.
GSP reports that there have already been 45 DUI arrests in Georgia during the operation’s first 12 hours.
During last year’s 102-hour Independence Day holiday period, Georgia State Troopers and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers made almost 500 DUI arrests, and Troopers performed nearly 320 traffic crash investigations.
These crashes resulted in close to 200 injuries and 10 fatalities. Local law enforcement agencies investigated an additional five traffic fatalities statewide.
“As families and friends gather to celebrate Independence Day, we ask everyone traveling on Georgia’s roads to make safety their top priority,” said Colonel William W. Hitchens, III, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety. “Our GSP Troopers and CVE Officers will be working around the clock to enforce traffic laws, ensuring everyone reaches their destinations safely.”
According to AAA, 61.4 million people will travel by car over July 4th week, nearly the same number as last year, when 61.3 million travelers took road trips.
Throughout the holiday period, State Troopers and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers will participate in the national Operation Zero Tolerance campaign, which targets impaired drivers, and the 100 Days of Summer H.E.A.T. (Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic) initiative, focused on reducing crashes caused by aggressive and dangerous driving behaviors.
“Troopers, CVE Officer and local law enforcement will work across the state to identify and remove impaired drivers from Georgia roadways while also enforcing laws related to speeding, distracted driving, seat belt use, and other hazardous traffic violations,” the release stated.
Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.
