Motorists traveling across Georgia and the Southeast next week can expect to see a much stronger law enforcement presence as the annual Operation Southern Slow Down campaign gets underway.
The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is reminding drivers to keep fireworks in the sky and off the road this Fourth of July holiday weekend by planning ahead for a sober ride.
State troopers, local officers, H.E.A.T. units and regional traffic enforcement networks are stepping up patrols through Sunday night. Officers will be watching for impaired driving, speeding, reckless driving, distracted driving, aggressive driving and seat belt violations.
GOHS says Georgia is a zero-tolerance state for drunk driving, and drivers over the legal limit will be arrested. More than 700 DUI arrests were made during last year’s July Fourth enforcement period.
AAA’s Tow-To-Go service will also be available through Monday morning, offering a free tow and ride for the driver up to 10 miles.
The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety has awarded the Georgia Department of Public Safety a Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic, or H.E.A.T., grant worth about $4.6 million to continue major traffic safety efforts across the state. The grant took effect October 1, 2025, and runs through September 30, 2026.
Recent Accidents on Penn Bridge Road are prompting changes
A winding section of Penn Bridge Road near the Chattooga River will soon see a lower speed limit as officials take action to address ongoing safety concerns. According to Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen, the change comes after repeated vehicle accidents and hazardous driving conditions in the area.
The Georgia Department of Public Health has been awarded nearly $2.9 million from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to support programs aimed at reducing traffic injuries and fatalities across the state. The grants, funded through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, will help expand child safety initiatives, improve data reporting systems, and strengthen injury-prevention programs.