“Belts & Jackets” Tour promotes safety for Memorial Day weekend

LAKE BLACKSHEAR, Ga. – As plenty of people get out on the road and waterways for the Memorial Day weekend, the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and Department (GOHS) and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are putting a few pieces of advice out to make sure you’re safe on the water.

Agencies focused during Thursday afternoon’s news conference about being under the influence, whether you’re hitting the road or the water.

And… while they may seem like statistics, they want to make sure lives aren’t lost just trying to celebrate.

“In 2023, there were 73 deaths on Georgia’s waterways. So far, we’ve already had 26 fatalities through boating incidents and drownings. Just this past week, we’ve had a child drown in Wayne county here in south Georgia. These numbers represent tragic incidents that involve real people,” said Col. Mike England, Ga. Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR).

Local sheriff’s offices are also going to be doing their part to help crack down on anyone driving or boating under the influence this holiday weekend.

Just ask Crisp County Sheriff, Billy Hancock…

“We’ll have a support role in helping these other agencies that are the main enforcers. But, we’ll be adding some extra traffic units and people who can patrol this weekend to help deter drunk driving, those who are impaired and look for those people who are distracted drivers as well,” said Sheriff Billy Hancock, Crisp Co. Sheriff’s Office.

On the roads, the Georgia State Patrol (GSP) is planning to be out in full force.

“We’ll use every measure we have in our toolbox to be able to come out and look for people who are Driving Under the Influence (DUI), take action to stop them. And, if they are under the influence while they’re driving, actually make an arrest. Our stealth units will be out, as well as our regular troopers, like you said doing checkpoints and DUI patrols…” said Col. Billy Hitchins, Georgia State Patrol (GSP).

Even with getting to the water, both state and local law enforcement want you to keep a couple of things in mind as well…

“The 100 foot law mandates idle speed within 100 feet of any person, boat, dock, swimming area, or any other object in the water, including the shoreline…The 200 foot law was passed because wake boats create a very large wake that can cause problems for smaller vessels and swimmers. Those wakes can also damage docks and other structures and accelerate erosion around the shoreline…” said Col. England.

With the holiday weekend set to kick off, law enforcement at both the state and local levels wants everyone to enjoy the holiday and the summer, but minimize the chance of tragedy.

According to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the south Georgia region recorded 34 instances of Boating Under the Influence (BUI) in 2023.

Brian Roche reporting.

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