GSP cracking down on DUI arrests

Friday, May 12, 2017

GROVETOWN, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- The consequences for drinking and driving could be deadly, and Georgia saw a 32% increase in fatal crashes involving drunk drivers in 2016 compared to 2015.

Law enforcement agencies all over, including Georgia State Patrol Post 25 is trying to change that.

"Obviously when you are driving home and minding your own business there is not much you can do if someone impaired runs into you," Trooper Ben Rollins, GSP Post 25.

Trooper Ben Rollins said he and other state troopers are out looking to stop these drivers before they hit anyone else, and they're having some success. GSP Post 25 was awarded this years M.A.D.D. Hero Award for the most DUI arrests out of all GSP posts, and took 319 impaired drivers off the roads.

"Usually the person getting the DUI doesn't always get hurt. It usually hurts the innocent folks," Rollins said.

Rollins said he's sees the signs before the driver sees him.

"Folks that are speeding, driving too slow, weaving across the lane line, stopping too far from a stop sign, or stopping too far in an intersection," Rollins said.

It's personal too. Trooper Rollins said he has also been hit by a drunk driver, and worked many crashes caused by them.

"It will hit home and make you know what's going on, when you loose some body close to you, or when you have to see someone else lose somebody," Rollins said.

The accidents will never get easier, but he does hope every arrest makes a difference.

"It's a good feeling knowing we are helping folks and keeping everyone safe," Rollins said.

GSP Post 25 was also awarded the Post of the Year award. This is the fourth time the post won the award in the past five years.