SMYRNA, Ga. – Police statewide will be targeting “aggressive and high-speed drivers” this Labor Day.
“The message to Georgia’s high-risk drivers is clear, safety belt, DUI, and speed law violations will not be tolerated,” Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Director Bob Dallas said in a news release. “So once again it’s time to buckle-up, secure the kids in their safety seats, drive sober, and obey the speed limits during the Labor Day holiday driving period.”
During the 2009 Labor Day weekend, there were 2,401 crashes statewide that claimed 19 lives and injured 1,069 more. Officials contend that speeding is just as dangerous as drunken driving and texting while behind the wheel, which is now illegal in Georgia.
In addition to DUI enforcement, authorities can ticket drivers under the so-called “Super Speeder Law” that took effect in January. Under the law, anyone convicted of driving 75 miles per hour or more on a two-lane road or 85 miles per hour or more on any road in the state will be fined an additional $200 on top of local fines that may be levied.
Revenues collected under the new law will help fund the state’s trauma care hospital system.
“These super speeder fees are designed to reform high-speed behavior behind the wheel and help us save precious lives and reduce serious injury on Georgia roadways,” Dallas said.
