Most Georgia residents know that Georgia State Troopers increase patrols during holiday weekends. Nevertheless, it does not hurt to be reminded of this fact. With the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season approaching, more people will likely be pulled over and arrested for DUI first offense than at any other time of the year. This is not only because people will be attending parties where alcohol may be involved, but it is also because law enforcement authorities will be increasing patrols.
Authorities will be stepping up patrols on travel days, particularly those days that come just before and after the respective holidays. Police claim that these days are the most popular days on which to travel because this is when Georgia residents are going to and returning from their destinations. For this and other reasons, Georgia drivers should be careful to obey all traffic laws and drink responsibly when traveling on the roads.
Police will also be checking to make sure that drivers are not speeding, are using seat belts and following other traffic laws. In fact, troopers claim that they will be pulling drivers over if they are going only 1 mph in excess of the posted speed limit. Also, they will be checking to make sure that children are properly restrained in their seats. Georgia law requires that any child under eight years of age must be in a booster seat or a car seat with a five-point harness.
Roadside checks are planned to pull over and randomly check drivers to make certain they are carrying appropriate insurance and have a valid license. These checks will also be used to identify anyone who police suspect may be driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. Troopers claim to have seen an increase in driving under the influence crashes recently. As always, they are interested in improving the safety of Georgia roads during the holidays.
Any Georgia resident who faces DUI first offense charges will have the right to defend him or herself against those allegations in court. Not everyone accused of this kind of criminal offense is guilty, and there are numerous legal defenses and legal strategies available to assist those accused of DUI. Some Georgia residents may succeed in getting all of their charges dropped, while others may be able to achieve a reduction in sentencing and/or avoid having their licenses suspended.
Source: newtoncitizen.com, Georgia State Patrol steps up traffic enforcement for holiday travelers, Aimee Jones, Nov. 19, 2013