Police to Target Impaired Drivers During New Year's Holiday

If you are planning on ringing in 2011 at a bar or pub—such as , which is hosting a New Year's Eve party with a live DJ, prizes and a champagne toast—law enforcement officials have a tip for you:

Don't drink and drive.

That's the message of Drunk and Drugged Awareness Month, which lasts through midnight Sunday, when the New Year's holiday travel period ends.

Along with the Georgia State Patrol, which is conducting road checks throughout the state, Douglas County Sheriff's Office deputies will be out in full force and on the lookout for impaired drivers in Lithia Springs.

"We look for folks committing crimes, intoxicated drivers, (conduct) safety checks—the same thing we do every day," said Maj. Tommy Wheeler, adding that the department staffs full shifts on holidays.

Lt. L.M. Boyd with the said that if snow starts to fall around New Year's, motorists should think twice before driving.

"If you're going to go out and it starts snowing, see if that's a place where you can actually stay until the weather starts to warm up," he said. "If you're not prepared to handle the roads with a wintry mix, don't risk getting yourself into a situation."

The temperatures are forecast to rise heading into the weekend, so snow shouldn't be an issue.

Boyd also suggested that homeowners, in an effort to stop break-ins, take extra precautions when leaving their houses, like turning lights on and letting their neighbors know. 

"There's just a lot of things you can do to keep your residence safe and your own self safe on the roads," he said, emphasizing that no one should drive after drinking even one alcoholic drink.

State and local officials say there are several ways to avoid impaired driving:

• Do not ever get behind the wheel of a vehicle when you are impaired.
• Plan a safe way home before the festivities.
• Designate a sober driver in advance and leave your keys at home.
• Wear your seat belt while in a car or use a helmet and protective gear when on a motorcycle because they are your best defenses against an impaired driver.

While partygoers should plan to have a sober driver and give that person the keys, hosts should help impaired guests find a ride via a sober friend, relative or taxi service.

A partnership between AAA Auto Club South and Budweiser, Tow to Go provides a free tow and ride to celebrants who find themselves too impaired to drive. Call 800-AAA-HELP any time through Sunday in the metro Atlanta area, including Powder Springs and Lithia Springs, to request a AAA tow truck driver, who will take the vehicle and driver safely home.