Twiggs County steps up DUI enforcement for St. Patrick’s Day

March 14, 2016

41NBC Web Producer,

JEFFERSONVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Twiggs County is one of the Georgia counties increasing patrols for St. Patrick’s Day.

“There’s a deep flow of traffic going to Savannah every St. Patrick’s Day weekend,” said Major Chip Stokes from the Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office.

Stokes said they will have an increased presence of deputies on patrol as well as a DUI checkpoint.

“Last year we made 19 arrests. That included DUIs, wanted persons, drugs, illegal narcotics that was coming through the county that we caught in the road check. The year before that we did like 192 arrests,” recalled Stokes.

The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is warning people about driving impaired: If you’re over the limit, you’ll be arrested.

There will be an increase of patrols across the state, according to a news release. GOHS says in 2014, 18 people were killed nationwide because of drunk driving crashes on St. Patrick’s Day. GOHS adds the holiday has become one of the nation’s deadliest because of alcohol.

“I’ve seen [people] killed. I’ve seen decapitations. We’ve seen it all,” said Stokes.

GOHS also asks everyone to take advantage of the “Drive Sober, Georgia” smartphone app. It offers a database of safe and sober ride options throughout the state.

“It’s hard to see. Especially when you’ve got kids involved. When you pull up to an accident where you’ve got a three-year-old child that’s been killed in a car wreck due to a drunk driver, that’s hard,” said Stokes.

The “Drive Sober, Georgia” app is free in the app store.

“If you want to drink, get somebody to drive you. Call a cab. Call a friend. Call the sheriff’s office. If you need a ride, the sheriff’s office would be more than willing to make arrangements to get you somewhere,” explained Stokes.

It’s a decision that helps you avoid major consequences.

“They could lose their license for 12 months. They could also serve time in jail depending on how many times they’ve been arrested before,” said Stokes.

Other advice from GOHS is listed below:

Plan a safe way home before the partying begins
Designate a sober driver before you start drinking and leave your car keys at home
Use a taxi, call a sober friend or use public transportation if you’re too impaired to drive
Contact local law enforcement if you see a drunk driver
Be prepared to take away someone’s keys and find them a sober ride home