Special to The Post-Searchlight

Georgia State Troopers are teaming up with law enforcement officials from across the state for the July Fourth mobilization period of Operation Zero Tolerance (OZT), Georgia’s high visibility enforcement campaign that targets impaired drivers.

Col. Mark W. McDonough, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety, said troopers will be working with local officers and deputies in their areas for concentrated patrols and roadchecks to remove impaired drivers from the roads during this busy travel period. The first wave of OZT runs for a two-week period that includes the 102-hour July 4 holiday travel period, ending on Sunday, July 7.

During this time of year, troopers report that impaired driving is one of the leading contributing factors in a majority of the fatal traffic crashes that they investigate.

“Troopers and officers will not hesitate to arrest an impaired driver and tow their vehicle,” McDonough said.

The Georgia State Patrol encourages careful planning for holiday activities. Do not drive if you plan to consume alcoholic beverages, and be sure to choose a designated driver before the celebration begins.

“If you see a driver that you suspect is impaired, notify law enforcement,” McDonough said.

From July 4-7, the Georgia State Patrol will also be participating in the nationwide traffic safety initiative, Operation C.A.R.E, or Combined Accident Reduction Effort. State troopers will join other state highway patrols and state police agencies from the United States and Canada in conducting high visibility patrols and providing safety education to the motoring public in an effort to reduce the number of traffic deaths on our roads. This is the third of six Operation C.A.R.E. holiday enforcement periods of the year. Operation C.A.R.E. began in 1977.