As the calendar year winds down and holiday festivities start up, the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is once again joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to make sure Georgia’s motorists stay off Santa’s naughty list. Whether you’re local or just in from out of town, driving impaired will not only get you on that list, but will send you straight to jail.

The reason for the message is all too clear. During the 2017 Christmas travel period in Georgia, there were 15 total traffic deaths between Dec. 22 at 6pm and 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 26. Statewide, the state patrol alone investigated 515 traffic crashes that resulted in 129 injuries and 10 fatalities. They also arrested 192 people for driving under the influence, while an additional 7,323 citations and 12,312 warnings were issued.

“The holidays are a time for fun, family and friends, but also a time for using extra caution on the roads” GOHS Communications Robert Hydrick said. “Unfortunately, alcohol at many holiday events contributes to the number of impaired drivers on our roads. Help us spread the message that buzzed driving is drunk driving so if you plan to drink, plan ahead for a sober ride home.”

It’s not just Georgia where DUI crashes are a problem. According to NHTSA, 37,133 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2017, and 29 percent of those fatalities involved a driver with a blood alcohol over the legal limit. And it isn’t just alcohol that affects driving. Drug-impaired driving is an increasing problem. The bottom line is if you feel different, you drive different.

“We want to keep our roads safe this holiday season and help people understand that the only time they should be behind the wheel is when they are sober,” Hydrick said. “Driving high or drunk can not only change your life, but the innocent lives of your passengers, other motorists and their passengers, and pedestrians.

GOHS and NHTSA suggest the following safety tips to enjoy a safe night out this holiday season:

• If you plan to drink, plan for a sober ride home. If you’re the designated driver, take the responsibility seriously.
• Even if you’ve only had one drink, designate a sober driver.
• Use rideshare programs or public transportation.
• Be prepared to take keys away from someone who is impaired and call 9-1-1 if you see an impaired driver on the road.

For more information on the impaired driving program at the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, go to www.gahighwaysafety.org or visit us on social media at www.facebook.com/gahighwaysafety and @gohsgeorgia on Twitter.

UPDATE: This suspect has been identified. Thank you to everyone who contacted us with tips

The Dalton Police Department is asking for the public’s help identifying a man who stole more than $200 worth of jewelry from an area store. The theft was recorded by store surveillance.

The theft happened on December 4th at the Hobby Lobby store on East Walnut Avenue. The suspect, a white male, entered the store around 2:00 in the afternoon. He went into the jewelry section and spend several minutes trying to remove items from a jewelry display. After being unable to remove the items from the display, he eventually removed the display rack hangers themselves. The suspect then left the store, getting away with approximately $220 worth of a variety of rings, earrings, and necklaces.

The suspect is a white male who wore a camouflage baseball hat, a dark shirt and a gray jacket. A picture of the suspect is included with this release.

Below: The suspect was recorded by store surveillance

To apply, click here!

The jobs of police officers and detectives aren’t like what you’ve seen on TV and in February, the Dalton Police Department is once again giving the public a chance to learn what it’s really like to put on a badge. Applications are now being accepted for the Dalton Police Department’s popular Citizens Police Academy program. The agency’s 27th Citizens Police Academy will start February 26th, 2019.

The class will meet on Tuesday nights from 6:00 to 9:00 for 10 weeks (Feb. 26th – April 30th) at the Dalton Police Services Center. A graduation banquet will be held the following week on May 7th. During the course of the program, participants will get an up-close look at every aspect of the police department’s operation.

In addition to classroom sessions covering each of the department’s three divisions and each specialized unit within the agency, the course also gives participants chances to experience policing in the real world. Among the real-world experiences offered by the program is a chance to spend one night at the county firing range to test fire all of the department’s weapons and a night of real-life experience on our simulator. The academy also provides each participant a chance to ride along with a patrol officer for a shift to further understand the daily walk of a police officer.

Each session of the academy is taught by members of the Dalton Police Department and also subject matter experts from other agencies. While you won’t be an officer at the end of the ten-week program, you’ll know a lot more about police work than you ever thought possible.

Applicants must be at least 21 years old. Background checks will be performed on all applicants. Please note that completion of the course does not certify a participant as a police officer. To apply, simply pick up an application form at the Police Services Center at 301 Jones Street. You can also apply online at daltonpd.com/academy2019 or contact Lieutenant Ricky Long at [email protected].