Driving impaired is a serious crime. "If you are caught driving impaired, you will be arrested," said Colonel McDonough. "Driving while impaired is not worth the risk of killing or seriously injuring yourself or someone else. There are also serious consequences that can result in you losing your driver's license, and incurring unexpected financial expenses," he added.

If you will be consuming alcohol, plan a safe way home or designate a sober driver before the celebration begins. Also, if you know someone who is about to drive while impaired, help him or her make other arrangements to get home safely. "Remember that if you see an impaired driver on the road, don't hesitate to call 911," said Colonel McDonough.

As you gather this weekend with family and friends to celebrate our country's independence, make safety a priority during your celebrations. Here are ten safety tips to keep in mind as you travel this holiday period:



1. Make sure that your vehicle is in proper running condition. Inspect belts, hoses, fluid levels, and tire conditions before you begin your trip. Repair any defects immediately.



2. Plan your trip carefully. Allow ample time to reach your destination. Anticipate traffic delays due to volume or a crash that blocks travel lanes.



3. Wear your seat belt. Seat belts save lives. Make sure everyone in the vehicle is buckled up before you hit the road, no matter how short the trip.



4. Properly install child safety seats. Georgia law requires children under the age of eight to be in either a car seat or booster seat suitable for their age and height.



5. Obey the speed limit. Exceeding the speed limit reduces the amount of available time needed to avoid a crash. Speed continues to be one of the major contributing factors in fatal traffic crashes that state troopers investigate.



6. Do not leave children and pets in hot cars. Get in the habit of regularly checking the back seat and back floor area for children and animals, each time you exit your vehicle.



7. Avoid distracted driving. Refrain from performing any activity that may take your focus off of the road, such as texting while driving.



8. Avoid long periods of driving without a break. Make frequent rest stops to avoid becoming drowsy behind the wheel.



9. Be courteous to other drivers. Stay alert of your surroundings and show common courtesy to other motorists and pedestrians on the roads.



10. Do not drive impaired. This holiday period, the Georgia State Patrol is participating in the Operation Zero Tolerance campaign, a nationwide mobilization against impaired drivers. State Troopers will be working alongside sheriff's deputies and police officers to apprehend impaired drivers.