Thunderstorms this Fourth of July may dampen your holiday spirits, but being nabbed by police -- or worse, causing a fatal accident -- will also do the trick.
The Fourth of July is routinely one of the deadliest days for motorists, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Officials are advising revelers not to drink and drive, and to choose designated drivers.
To be sure the public understands the importance of safe this holiday, police departments are participating in Operation Zero Tolerance (OZT), Georgia’s high-visibility enforcement campaign that targets impaired drivers.
The first wave of OZT runs for a two-week period that includes the 102-hour July Fourth holiday travel period, ending on Sunday July 7. Throughout the state, there will be concentrated patrols and checkpoints to get dangerous drivers off the road.
In addition, the Georgia State Patrol is participating in Operation C.A.R.E, or Combine Accident Reduction Effort. The national program conduct's patrols and educates the public on driving dangers.
"Troopers and officers will not hesitate to arrest an impaired driver and tow their vehicle,” Col. Mark McDonough, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety, said in a press release. "If you see a driver that you suspect is impaired, notify law enforcement."
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