DPS Officers to Participate in National Safety Efforts

(ATLANTA)—Officers with the Georgia Department of Public Safety will be participating in three national traffic safety campaigns beginning Monday, May 22, in an effort to save lives and reduce serious injuries from motor vehicle crashes during the upcoming Memorial Day holiday period.   Colonel Bill Hitchens said today Georgia State Troopers along with officers from the Motor Carrier Compliance Division and Capitol Police will be joining law enforcement officers across the country for special enforcement efforts to encourage seat belt and child seat use during holiday travels.  He said officers will also be keeping a sharp eye out for impaired drivers.

      “Monday begins the two-week long Operation Click It or Ticketseat belt enforcement program,” Colonel Hitchens said.  “Troopers and officers will be strictly enforcing Georgia’s primary seat belt law and also making sure children are properly restrained.”  Operation Click It or Ticketcontinues through Sunday, June 4. 

      Colonel Hitchens also announced that Monday begins All-American Buckle Up Weekacross the nation and continues through Memorial Day.  During the period, civic and community groups join law enforcement officers to educate the public on the importance of wearing their seat belts at all times while traveling in motor vehicles.

     The troopers and officers will also be participating in Operation C.A.R.E., or Combined Accident Reduction Effort, beginning with the Memorial Day holiday period Friday evening, May 26.  Operation C.A.R.E.encourages safe driving through high visibility enforcement of traffic laws.  The program is now in its 29th year and is sponsored by the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

      “This time of year is especially busy and the dangers increase on the highways,”   Colonel Hitchens said.  “All three programs are designed to educate the motoring public of the dangers they face each day on our nation’s highways.  Obeying the posted speed limit, not drinking and driving, and making sure everyone is wearing a seat belt when you travel are the best steps drivers can take to prevent traffic deaths and serious injuries.”

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