Extra patrols on road for Labor Day holiday

As millions get on the highways for the unofficial end of summer, law enforcement in Georgia and Alabama will be looking for impaired and unsafe drivers during the Labor Day weekend, authorities said Friday.

"There is a holiday and police are aware of it," said Columbus Police Maj. J.D. Hawk, head of the Bureau of Patrol Services. "They will be out patrolling and urge you to be very careful."

The 78-hour Labor Day weekend kicked off Friday at 6 p.m. in Georgia and ends Monday at midnight. AAA travel said 35.5 million people will travel at least 50 miles or more from home for the holiday.

Hawk wouldn't comment on whether roadchecks would be in place but noted that officers will be searching for violations that might be associated with the holiday, especially drunken drivers and speeders. "Hopefully, the city will have a quiet holiday," he said.

Across the state, troopers will be visible, looking for impaired and unsafe drivers, said Col. Mark W. McDonough, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety.

"Traffic will be heavy as vacation travelers will add to the normal weekend traffic in Georgia as many people take to the roadways for a final summer trip of the year," McDonough said.

Last year, Georgia troopers investigated 473 traffic crashes, which resulted in 285 injuries and six deaths. Troopers also arrested 234 people for driving under the influence.

Troopers will work with local sheriff's deputies and police to catch impaired drivers.

"If you are caught driving impaired, you will be arrested," McDonough said.

In Alabama, Phenix City Police Capt. Andy Williams said there will be extra patrols concentrating on major thoroughfares such as U.S. 280 Bypass and 431 South.

"That is pretty much the norm," he said Friday. "So far, so good."

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said all available state troopers will increase patrols and enforcement activities to promote public safety.

"Although we currently are battling drastic budget cuts and the number of troopers is critically low, we at ALEA will use all available troopers during this busy extended holiday weekend," said Spencer Collier, secretary of law enforcement at ALEA.

Troopers reported 409 accidents and 10 fatalities in 2014. There were also 142 injuries on the roadways.

To combat driving under the influence, troopers will join local and county law enforcement officers across Alabama on the national campaign, "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over."

The campaign is funded through grants from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and the Alabama Department of Transportation.

"We are called to provide courtesy, service and protection, and we are fully committed to ensuring this state's citizens and visitors are safe," Collier said.

TIPS FOR SAFE HOLIDAY TRAVEL

Wear your seat belt. Make sure everyone is buckled up before you hit the road, no matter how short the trip.

Obey the speed limit. Exceeding the speed limit reduces the amount of available time needed to avoid a crash.

Avoid distracted driving. Refrain from performing any activity that may take your focus off of the road, such as texting while driving.

Be courteous to other drivers. Stay aware of your surroundings and show common courtesy to other motorists and pedestrians.

Properly install child safety seats. Georgia law requires children under age 8 to be in either a car seat or booster seat suitable for their age and height.

Do not leave children and pets in hot cars. Get in the habit of regularly checking the back seat and back floor area for children and animals each time you exit your vehicle.

Avoid driving or boating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Obey boating laws on the water and use life vests.

Restrict access and closely monitor teens to prevent underage use of alcoholic beverages.

Pay attention to weather conditions, particularly when they involve thunder and lightning.

Source: The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency/ Georgia Department of Public Safety

This story was originally published September 4, 2015 at 11:49 PM with the headline "Extra patrols on road for Labor Day holiday ."