Stepped up DUI enforcement set for for St. Patrick’s Day

ALBANY — Motorists who drink and then get behind the wheel of an auto on this St. Patrick’s Day weekend will lose a lot of the green in their wallets, according to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS).

According to the GOHS, St. Patrick’s Day is a dangerous period because of the number of drunk drivers on the road. Many celebrations related to the day include alcoholic beverages, such as green tinted beer, which may be more prevalent with the day falling on Friday, the start of the weekend.

Increased law enforcement will be out to keep motorists safe, the department says.

Reports indicate that from 6 p.m. on March 16 to 6 a.m. on March 18 in the years 2010-14, 266 traffic deaths were recorded because of drunk drivers. In 2014, 28 percent of crash fatalities during the St. Patrick’s Day period were alcohol related. That same year, between midnight and 6 a.m., nearly half of all crash fatalities involved drunk drivers.

“Many adults celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with alcohol, and we know many are planning to extend their celebration through the weekend because the holiday falls on a Friday this year,” GOHS Director Harris Blackwood said. “We just want everyone to celebrate responsibly and that includes not getting behind the wheel if they have been drinking alcohol.”

The GOHS is partnering with TEAM Georgia, a sober driving coalition, in warning revelers about impaired driving.

“If you are over the limit, you’ll be under arrest,” said Blackwood. “No warnings. No excuses.”

TEAM Georgia is making sure that it’s not just law enforcement looking out for irresponsible party goers.

“This campaign brings together members of the hospitality industry, restaurants and bars to stand behind a unified message of encouraging safe and responsible holiday celebrations,” Ron Fennel, TEAM Georgia chairman, said. “We’re telling everyone who participates in St. Patrick’s Day to have fun, but be responsible and get home safely.”

The GOHS is encouraging motorists to utilize the “Drive Sober, Georgia” smartphone app, which offers a database of safe ride options all over the state and to take steps to ensure a safe conclusion to the festivities.

According to officials, Georgians should plan a safe way home before the party begins. That can be designating a sober driver, using a taxi, calling a sober friend or using public transportation if a motorist is too impaired to drive. Also, Georgians are being asked to report drunk driving to local law enforcement and to be prepared to intervene by taking someone’s keys and finding them a safe ride home.

For more information on GOHS or enforcement efforts during St. Patrick’s Day call (404) 656-6996 or visit www.gahighwaysafety.org.