Editorial: Drive safely during July 4 weekend

Published 2:00 pm Friday, July 5, 2019

By Staff reports

Fireworks are one concern for safety during the Fourth of July.

Traffic is another.

The Georgia State Patrol and Motor Carrier Compliance Division encourage everyone to observe the Independence Day holiday responsibly.

The 2019 holiday travel period is 102 hours long. It begins 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 3, and ends 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 7. This year marks the one-year anniversary of the Georgia Hands-Free Law which became effective July 1, 2018, according to the state Department of Public Safety.

Last year, the holiday period was only 30 hours long, according to troopers. During the holiday period, state troopers investigated 150 traffic crashes that resulted in 90 injuries and two fatalities statewide.

Additionally, troopers issued 6,367 citations (957 seat belts and 150 child restraints), 8,465 warnings and made 123 DUI arrests.

“With a record number of travelers hitting the roadways this holiday, we want everyone to pack a load of patience for traffic delays and to put safety first by following the posted speed limit, not driving while impaired, making sure all occupants are restrained, and keeping your hands off of your cell phones,” Col. Mark W. McDonough, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety, said in a statement.

State troopers and officers will be on high visibility patrols during the 102-hour holiday period in an effort to keep the number of traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities at a minimum, he said.

This holiday period, the Georgia State Patrol participates in the Operation Zero Tolerance campaign, a nationwide mobilization against impaired driving, as well as the 100 Days of Summer HEAT campaign. HEAT stands for Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic.

Troopers will work alongside sheriff’s deputies and police officers to apprehend impaired drivers and crack down on aggressive speeders and distracted drivers.

“Crashes caused by impaired drivers can be prevented. Drivers must take the initiative to plan ahead for their holiday activities by designating a sober driver and not driving impaired,” McDonough said. “State troopers and officers will not hesitate to arrest an impaired or aggressive driver.”

The worst day to travel on the roadways in Atlanta is Friday, July 5, and the worst time for travel is between 5-7 p.m., according to AAA.

We urge our readers to follow the rules of the road, drive safely and have a safe holiday.