It’s HOT here in Metro Atlanta… and we’re only partially talking about the temperature. This summer, you may have noticed an increased presence of law enforcement on the roadways in Georgia. That’s because the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is backing a program called “100 Days of Summer H.E.A.T.”
H.E.A.T. stands for Highway Enforcement of Agressive Traffic. This is a program that spans across jurisdictions in Georgia, and is designed to reduce the number of deadly crashes on the roads in the summer. The 100 days between Memorial and Labor Day tend to be the most deadly for Georgia roadways because there is an increase of traffic in the summer as many go on vacation or enjoy local attractions. So, the state gives grants to local law enforcement agencies so they can increase their presence. The hope is to decrease types of aggressive driving behavior that put other motorists in danger.
Here are a few things that law enforcement officers are especially looking out for:
Distracted Driving
This can be anything from eating, grooming, checking on your kids, or looking up directions on your phone. (Remember that Georgia is a hands-free state.)
Speed
While speed may not necessarily cause an accident (although it can,) it does increase the force of impact in a crash. And usually, the severity of the accident.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Other Aggressive Driving Behaviors
Swerving in-and-out of lanes, cutting other drivers off, yelling or using obscene gestures, running red lights and tailgating.
While we encourage safe driving year round, be aware that the consequences of violating these traffic laws are more strictly enforced during the 100 days of H.E.A.T.
If you have been cited or arrested for aggressive driving here in Georgia, you may need an experienced traffic lawyer to help with your case. Contact us to find out if we can help!
