Ga. troopers targeting drunken drivers

ATLANTA — Georgia state troopers are cracking down on drunken drivers as part of a month-long campaign.

“Troopers will be keeping a close watch for suspected impaired drivers on every patrol,” Bill Hitchens, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety, said in a news release. “Impaired driving is a danger 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

As part of “Drunk and Drugged Driver Awareness Month,” troopers will be conducting road checks statewide aimed at catching drunken drivers before they cause wrecks. Nationwide, 873 people died in wrecks in December involving drunken drivers, according to authorities.

“Driving with a BAC of .08 or higher is illegal in every state,” Hitchens said.

“Violators often face jail time, higher insurance rates, and other unanticipated expenses, such as your attorney's fees, court costs, towing expenses, and lost time,” he added.