GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — With the increase of drivers in the metro Atlanta area during the holidays, the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office and Georgia AAA have offered helpful tips to avoid impaired and distracted driving.
Road safety is a major priority, especially for the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office.
“As we all know, the holiday season is upon us. We should all expect there to be an increase in traffic. We want to make sure that the public is aware of the heightened risks on the roads,” Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Asia Pagan said.
One of the biggest factors during the holidays is impaired driving, according to Deputy Pagan.
“Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and it impairs your ability to operate a vehicle safely,” she said. “That puts not only the person who is driving and passengers at risk, but also the public at large. If you are planning on going out to family functions or parties and you plan to drink, do not drink and drive.”
If you are at an event or function or party and you are impaired, the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office suggests calling a family member, friend, or getting a ride from a trusted designated sober driver. It is also recommended to use a rideshare service such as an Uber, Lyft, or taxi.
“If you’re impaired, you don’t need to be in any car unless you’re in a passenger seat and someone is driving you,” Deputy Pagan said. “You can have a designated driver with you and give them your keys to make sure that you do not get behind the wheel of a car to drive.”
Another tip is to stop drinking two hours before you leave an event. Drinking plenty of water will also give your body time to metabolize the alcohol.
AAA officials in Georgia announced they will assist stranded motorists and help keep impaired drivers off the road thanks to the annual Tow to Go program. AAA Georgia officials said the Tow to Go program has removed more than 30,000 impaired drivers from the roadway since its inception over 25 years ago.
“At the moment when you’re tempted to get behind the wheel while impaired, think again and allow wisdom to guide you. Set aside those keys and let your fingers dial Tow to Go,” said Montrae Waiters, AAA – The Auto Club Group spokeswoman. “AAA will then send a truck to take you and your vehicle to a safe location within a 10-mile radius.”
The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office also discussed the importance of surrounding yourself with people that you trust and people who make good decisions.
“You don’t have to partake in anything or with any friends trying to push you into an uncomfortable situation, especially if you know better,” Deputy Pagan said. “These college aged kids are adults, so they have to remember that driving under the influence and making bad decisions have consequences behind them. It doesn’t just include fines or license suspensions, it also includes jail time.”
The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office says it is imperative to be responsible, and know your limits; it is okay to drink something without alcohol in it.
“A buddy system is something that is needed, especially for college aged students,” Deputy Pagan said. “It allows someone with a level head to come in and give you that push that you need to say that’s a bad idea. If you do decide to drink, you will have a responsible person to make sure that you get home safely and make sure you are not doing anything illegal.”
Deputy Pagan also says it’s easy for people to get distracted while driving and it is important to pay attention.
“If you have a buddy driving with you in the passenger seat, they can say to put the phone down or offer to text for you,” Deputy Pagan said. “It allows you to be aware so you can keep their focus on the road.”
Programming your GPS in your car ahead of time, and having hands-free devices are also tips that Deputy Pagan offered.
It is extremely important to drive safe, wear your seatbelt, don’t drive while you’re on your phone, follow the speed limit, and use your turn signals. If you don’t see a speed limit sign, refer to the minimum, depending on if its a side road or historic district.
Deputy Pagan said police and deputies will be patrolling and “there may be security checkpoints, DUI checkpoints set up.”
“You want to be safe and very aware of what you’re doing. You can’t be focused on the road if you’re multitasking. Having someone in the car with you who is more responsible and who can also help to hold you accountable is important,” she said.
Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office sees an increase in speeders around the holidays, according to Deputy Pagan.
“Speeding reduces reaction time,” she said. “It increases the severity of accidents. During the holidays, it is completely crowded and overrun with travelers and people are trying to get to parties and out of town. Speeding and distracted driving can lead to tragic outcomes. We just want people to be more aware to their surroundings, adhere to the posted speed limits, drive according to the road conditions. You don’t want to be going to fast for conditions if its raining or if it’s foggy. Be patient.”
Expect that there will be an increase amount of traffic and a delay in traffic time in the metro Atlanta area during the holiday season.
“The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office wants to make sure that the public is safe, they have a great holiday and are able to get into the new year’s alive,” Deputy Pagan said. “I heard of a saying, ‘come on vacation, you will leave on probation if you come here and do not adhere to the traffic rules and laws in general.’ You have to follow and obey the laws.”
According to AAA, Tow to Go is active from 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24th to 6 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. For service, call (855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246.
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