Georgia Officials Crack Down on Drunken Driving

Georgia Officials Crack Down on Drunken Driving

Georgia officials are increasing efforts to prevent drunk driving on both roads and waterways as the July 4th holiday weekend approaches. According to The Augusta Chronicle, Operation Zero Tolerance began on Friday, June 29th and was set to run through the July 4th travel period. As part of this campaign, officers will increase patrols and sobriety checkpoints to catch drunk drivers and prevent accidents. Simultaneously, Operation Dry Water launched on Lake Lanier to address a recent rise in deadly crashes involving intoxicated boat operators.

Tragic BUI Accidents on Lake Lanier

The crackdown follows two fatal accidents on Lake Lanier caused by intoxicated boaters. In April, a 32-year-old man from Cumming was operating a jet ski under the influence when he collided with a pontoon boat, killing one passenger and leaving another seriously injured. The jet ski operator, Steven Brent Parker, swam ashore and fled the scene but was later arrested and charged with homicide by vessel, serious injury by vessel, boating under the influence (BUI), and reckless operation of a vessel.

In June, 44-year-old Paul J. Bennett was allegedly speeding when he struck a pontoon boat carrying 13 people. The accident, in which Bennett was under the influence and also fled the scene, killed 9-year-old Jake Prince and 13-year-old Griffin Prince. Just last weekend alone, seven people were arrested on BUI charges on Lake Lanier.

Drunk Driving in Georgia

Drunk driving remains a serious problem in Georgia. Of the 1,244 traffic-related fatalities in Georgia in 2010, 298 involved a driver with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of over .08.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 392 people died in traffic fatalities during the July 4th weekend in 2010. Of those deaths, 39 percent involved at least one driver with a BAC of 0.08 or higher. These car accidents are especially tragic because they are largely preventable.

Legal Help for DUI Accident Victims

The attorneys at Morgan & Morgan wish you and your family a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July holiday. We hope that these crackdowns reduce the number of tragedies on Georgia’s roads and waterways during this travel period.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident caused by an intoxicated driver, the compassionate car accident attorneys at Morgan & Morgan are here to help. We will guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Do not hesitate to receive a free consultation by filling out our no-obligation, confidential case review form today.