ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - State and local law enforcement officers say there will be no second chances for those caught driving while under the influence during the New Year’s holiday travel period.

Expect to see a steep increase in law enforcement patrols on state and local roadways over the coming days.

Maurice Raines, deputy director with the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, said law enforcement will do everything possible to prevent a repeat of the deadly outcome of Christmas travel in Georgia.

“We just closed our Christmas holiday season, and unfortunately, we lost 15 lives in our state. And in losing those 15 lives in the state, they’re not numbers,” said Raines. “Those are people. Those are people who were here this year who will not be around for Christmas on next year. So, it’s imperative to understand that the decision you make while driving, it not only affects you, but it affects other people as well.”

Raines said the crackdown represents a combined effort between Georgia State Patrol, police departments and sheriff’s offices across the state.

Raines said driving under the influence is a poor decision that carries potentially deadly consequences.

“The goal is to make it safe for the holiday season for everyone. We know everyone wants to have a good time and we want them to have a good time,” Raines said. “But we also want them to know that driving impaired is not acceptable. It is a selfish, senseless act in that if they decide to drive and drive, we hope they get pulled over.”

Raines added an impaired driver who is caught, even if no one is hurt, will face thousands of dollars in legal bills and carry the offense on their driving records for life.

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