ATLANTA — Georgia’s annual holiday campaign of Operation Zero Tolerance begins Friday and will last through New Year’s Day.

For the first time in six years, Georgia is on track to experience an increase in traffic fatalities. If fatalities maintain their current rate, the state will surpass last year’s total of 1,226 deaths on its roadways.

That’s why the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is adding a special message to its normal enforcement campaign this time of year. In addition to reminding Georgia motorists that if they don’t drive sober, they’ll get pulled over, GOHS has launched Operation Safe Holidays to ask drivers to be extra careful on Georgia roads so the state doesn’t reach a six-year milestone of traffic deaths.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2,597 people were killed in traffic crashes across the country in December 2010 and 775 of those were killed in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers.

“We always take this time of year to remind motorists that impaired driving is against the law 365 days a year in Georgia,” said GOHS Director Harris Blackwood. “And while Operation Zero Tolerance is still effect, we also want to urge everyone to be extra careful as they hit the road this time of year. A great Christmas present for me would be seeing everyone get home safe and sound this holiday season.”

Drunk driving can also create a tremendous financial burden. Statistics show that the average cost of a DUI can climb to nearly $10,000.

“The fact is that DUI’s are a drain on the state’s resources, the offender’s resources and the resources of any potential victim,” said Blackwood. “It’s imperative that Georgia motorists don’t continue their Christmas partying behind the wheel. Law enforcement all over the state will be cracking down on impaired drivers and they will not hesitate to send you to jail, even if it is Christmas.”

There are a few simple tips to get home safely if you plan to drink this holiday season:  
Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your keys at home;
If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.

For more information on enforcement activities in your community, contact your local law enforcement agency. For more information on Operation Zero Tolerance, visit www.gahighwaysafty.org.