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More patrols planned for metro interstates

Troopers on lookout for DUI, speed violators

More state troopers will patrol on metro Atlanta interstates thanks to a $920,000 grant from the state.

The grant is funded in three parts, one of which will form a 10-member HEAT (Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic) squad that will conduct year-round DUI and speed enforcement in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties. Those areas historically experience a disproportionate DUI statistical profile compared to statewide totals.

“The Atlanta nightlife attracts many more motorists to the five-county metro area, compounded by the enormous every working day commuter traffic,” said Bob Dallas, director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

The special 10-trooper unit will also get its own DUI “Intoxilyzer” testing device, and two of the troopers will be trained as drug recognition experts and as certified child safety seat technicians.

Another part of the grant provides $125,000 for overtime enforcement costs to put more troopers on the road during statewide sobriety checks and saturation patrols. The final $102,000 of the grant will fund highly specialized state attorneys to help troopers in course at administrative license suspension hearings. They will help prepare detailed testimony, provide training on DUI enforcement issues and respond to motions and briefs.