Take Steps to Ensure You Are Safe on the Roads This Holiday, Advises Governor’s Office of Highway Safety

A reminder if you’re headed out on the roadways today or anytime this holiday period, Operation Zero Tolerance continues in full swing across Georgia.

That means increased patrols and high visibility enforcement on state and local roadways through the New Year’s holiday weekend, which ends Sunday, January 3rd.

Georgia State Troopers have teamed up with local law enforcement targeting impaired drivers and those not wearing seatbelts, or even texting while driving.

Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Director Harris Blackwood said his office wants everyone to make it safely to their destination.

“This has been a deadly year on the roads of Georgia,” Blackwood said. “We would like to make these last two weeks of the year a safe one for everyone who uses the roads in the State.”

Blackwood offers some tips to make sure you and your family are safe on the roads this holiday weekend.

Many people will be taking off work early today to get a head-start on that trip to family.

Blackwood says one issue that can cause accidents is driving when you’re tired.

“A lot of people try to work until the end of the day. They’ve been working all day and then they leave to try and get a jump start on their trip. Make sure you’re wide awake and not drowsy. Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drinking and driving. You’re better off waiting and get some rest so you go safely,” Blackwood explained.

Another tip, Blackwood says is to make sure your vehicle is in good working order before you get out on the road or you could find yourself stranded or worse.

“Before you leave, walk around that car, look at the tires, make sure your lights are all working, make sure everything is working to make sure you’re as safe as possible while on the road,” he said.

Finally, make sure you and every family member or passenger in your vehicle is buckled up.

“Buckle that seatbelt. About 45% of our fatalities this year involved people who were not buckled. That’s the easiest thing you can do. When we hear that someone was ejected from a car you can just about bet they were not wearing a seatbelt,” Blackwood noted.

And of course, don’t drink and drive.

Always have a designated driver if you plan to consume alcohol over the holidays, even if you’re only driving a short distance.

Anyone caught driving while impaired will be arrested, no questions asked.