Published Thursday, July 02, 2009
Law enforcement geared up for holiday weekend
The Newnan Times-Herald
If you travel Georgia's roadways this week, don't be surprised to see an increased police presence.
The Coweta County Sheriff's Office stepped up its patrols Monday for the Fourth of July travel week. They will be out in force through Sunday, according to Sheriff Mike Yeager.
"Holidays are our busy time," said Yeager. "Reports indicate that more people will be out on the roadways than last July 4. We're going to be looking for any type of violations, especially impaired drivers. People need to take it easy and follow the law.
"If you're going to take a drink -- don't get behind the wheel," he continued.
Yeager has gotten word that there will be no work activity on the interstate as of noon Friday, and so there won't be any lane closures to contend with.
"Hopefully the lack of work will help," said Yeager. "Motorists still need to be mindful. Give yourself plenty of time, slow down and don't be in a big hurry. Enjoy this holiday weekend."
The Fourth of July holiday travel period is technically the 78-hour period beginning today at 6 p.m. and ending at midnight on Sunday.
Law enforcement throughout the state will be concentrating on the most common violations identified as contributing factors in fatal traffic crashes. Those factors are speeding, impaired driving and failing to wear occupant safety equipment.
Traffic crashes during the 2008 July Fourth holiday travel period claimed the lives of 22 people in Georgia. There were 1,860 traffic crashes reported and 910 people injured. The Crash Reporting Unit at the Georgia Department of Transportation and the Georgia State Patrol are predicting 1,874 crashes this holiday with 895 injuries and 22 fatalities. Last year, two of the 22 traffic deaths were alcohol related.
Motorists can report suspected impaired drivers by calling the Georgia State Patrol at Star G-S-P (*477) from a cell phone.
The highest number of July Fourth holiday traffic fatalities occurred in 1972 when 34 people were killed, and the lowest occurred in 1962 and 1984 when two people were killed.
Law enforcement recommends that drivers keep an emergency roadside kit in their vehicles. The kit should include a flashlight, a first-aid kit, jumper cables, gloves, extra clothes, extra washer fluid, non-perishable food, a gallon of water and basic tools.
