Drunk Driving Enforcement Increased for Holidays

SAVANNAH, Ga. -- More than 11,000 Americans died in accidents involving drunk drivers last year, according to the latest report from federal safety officials.

With the holidays approaching, authorities are reminding you about the lives at stake when you drink and drive.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 416 people died in Georgia in drunk driving crashes in 2008, down 5 percent from 2007. In South Carolina, 403 people died last year, an 11 percent drop from the year before.

Research shows more people are killed in drunk driving crashes on weekends and at night, and this year Christmas and New Year's Day fall on Friday, so officers will be even more watchful to catch drunk drivers, hoping to save lives on the roads.

Angela Green from Beaufort lost her cousin to a drunk driver. "She and her family were out and a drunk driver ran a red... ran a stop sign and hit her side of the car and she died at the scene. She had a little boy and a little girl and her husband," said Green.

She said she believes stiffer penalties are key to saving lives. "It's something that I hold very near and dear to my heart because even though it was 10 years ago, they were slapped on the wrist and they're out driving again," said Green.

The 2009 holiday crackdown includes $7 million in advertising and stepped up patrols across the country.

"I think it deters it, a lot of people think before they drive knowing the roadblocks are going to be out there. I think it's a good idea. I think it saves a lot of lives," said Denny Nelson of Bulloch County.

"I think it needs to be on every advertisement. But, that's good. It's not the best. It could be better," said Quiana Glover from Savannah.

Police say alcohol was a factor in a crash in May that killed a woman and her 11 year-old grandson on the Bull River Bridge. Toxicology reports showed the woman had been drinking.

Many people hope drivers will be more aware, so all of us can enjoy the holidays without tragedy.

"More officers are out on the streets, they're going to catch more people and therefore make it safer for us, people who are following the law during the holidays," said William Fisher from Savannah.

The Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety kicks off "Operation Zero Tolerance" on December 18 in Savannah.

South Carolina's awareness campaign, "Sober or Slammer!", starts December 16. Officers in both states will be conducting DUI checkpoints and increased patrols.