Forsyth Sheriff Increasing Enforcement Over Labor Day Weekend

The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office and the Georgia State Patrol (GSP) are gearing up for a busy holiday travel period.

Labor Day weekend is typically seen as the last weekend of the summer season and officials hope to make it a safe one on roads and highways across the state.

In Forsyth, there will be additional patrols with deputies conducting safety checkpoints and laser speed details on various county roads. The sheriff's office will be stepping up traffic patrols utilizing Bike, PACE and Marine units for increased enforcement.

“Our primary purpose during the Labor Day weekend is to provide high visibility, proactive traffic enforcement, seatbelt and child seat restraint compliance,” said Sheriff Duane Piper. "We will also provide law enforcement visibility on Lake Lanier and in all county parks."

This year, the holiday period begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30 and ends at midnight on Labor Day, Sept. 2.

Also, underway through midnight on Labor Day, Georgia State Troopers have teamed up with law enforcement officials from across the state for Operation Zero Tolerance, Georgia’s high visibility enforcement campaign that targets impaired drivers.

“A driver that operates a vehicle impaired puts all others on the road in danger," said Colonel Mark W. McDonough, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety. "Georgia State Troopers take saving lives seriously and they do not hesitate to arrest those that choose to drive impaired."

"During this period, troopers are working with local officers and deputies in their areas for concentrated patrols and road checks," he said.

Impaired driving is one of the leading contributing factors in a majority of fatal traffic crashes that troopers investigate. “Driving under the influence is unacceptable. If consuming alcohol is in your plans, designate a sober driver before you leave home. If you don’t have a designated driver, call a taxi, a friend, or family member to help you get home safely,” said McDonough. 

"If you suspect that someone is driving impaired, do not hesitate to notify local law enforcement and do not let others get behind the wheel impaired either. If you see someone who is about to drive impaired try to help them make other arrangements to get home,” he added.

This is the second of three Operation Zero Tolerance enforcement periods of the year. Georgia’s campaign is a part of the national “Over the Limit, Under Arrest” program.

Labor Day also marks the end of the 100 Days of Summer H.E.A.T (Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic) campaign, an effort by Georgia law enforcement agencies to combat aggressive and impaired drivers.


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