August 23, 2005
Albany - For three years, alcohol-related fatalities in Georgia have declined.
But in 2004, the numbers increased by 10 percent. State troopers say despite anti-DUI campaigns, some people just aren't getting the message.
Dougherty County may be the exception, though. DUI-related traffic deaths dropped last year.
Thirty-seven more people died in alcohol-related crashes in 2004 than in 2003 in Georgia. State troopers say they've also seen more drivers who are under the influence of drugs.
"I've noticed the drug cases from DUI has gone up marijuana, cocaine and we've had some ecstasy," says Georgia State Trooper Scott McClure says.
But in Dougherty County there appears to be a reverse trend.
"We've actually seen about a 25 percent decrease in the number of alcohol crashes in since 2000. About 112 in 2000, and last year we had 73," says Michelle DeMott of Albany Safe Communities.
DeMott says frequent road checks, high visibility enforcment, and increased patrols by Dougherty County law enforcment have played a big role in the reduced numbers.
Nationwide the number of alcohol-related fatalities dropped by more than 220 from 2003 to 2004, That's a 2-percent decrease.
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