Sobriety Checkpoints This Holiday Weekend

Drivers should take note this holiday weekend – the Johns Creek Police Department plans to set up sobriety checkpoints in undisclosed locations across the city, joining other law enforcement agencies in an initiative to reduce alcohol-related accidents.

Additionally, the Georgia State Patrol is reminding drivers to buckle up this coming weekend and to plan travel activities with safety in mind. 

The 78-hour holiday travel period begins today at 6 p.m. and ends midnight Monday. 

Col. Bill Hitchens, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety, said Georgia State Troopers will be watching for impaired drivers, speeders and those not using safety belts during holiday patrols.

Last year, the Georgia Department of Transportation counted 1,829 traffic crashes, 834 injuries and 11 traffic deaths during the July 4 travel period. At least two of the fatal crashes were alcohol related and three of the fatal crash victims were not wearing safety belts.

"Our troopers and MCCD officers will be concentrating on the most common violations identified as contributing factors in fatal traffic crashes," said Hitchens in a written statement. 

Hitchens also reminds drivers who will be transporting children this weekend to note that a change in Georgia's Booster Seat Law has become effective today, July 1, and requires children under the age of 8 to be secured in an approved car seat or booster seat. More information on this law is available at  www.gahighwaysafety.org.