The issue of driving under the influence is unfortunately not just a local problem, but a persistent threat that continues to put communities across Georgia at risk. While the sheer numbers are concerning, the Milton Police Department is choosing to meet this statewide challenge with a hyper-local, proactive approach focused on prevention, not just enforcement.
Recent data underscores why this local focus is so critical. According to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, the state saw 19,495 DUI convictions in 2024, representing the highest annual total since 2019. This alarming figure shows that alcohol-impaired driving remains one of Georgia’s deadliest traffic dangers, with alcohol-related deaths accounting for nearly 28% of all traffic fatalities statewide in a recent year.
In the face of this widespread problem, the Milton Police Department is making community education a cornerstone of its strategy. Their approach acknowledges that simply making arrests is not enough; the key is stopping the bad decisions before they happen. This philosophy is evident in their community outreach efforts, which work to forge critical connections between officers and residents.
One of the department’s most unique prevention tools is the Teen Police Academy, which offers young drivers a hands-on, behind-the-scenes look at law enforcement. The curriculum doesn’t shy away from serious traffic safety issues. It includes demonstrations of DUI and field sobriety testing, giving teens an unflinching look at what a roadside stop truly entails. Furthermore, the academy uses a rollover simulator to demonstrate the lifesaving necessity of wearing a seatbelt, ensuring the safety message is both impactful and memorable.
This dedication to education is bolstered by a focused Traffic Unit within the Uniform Patrol Division, which is committed to traffic enforcement and public safety on Milton’s roadways.
The state legislature is also stepping up the fight. Georgia has recently implemented several changes to its DUI laws to address the problem. For instance, recent legislation has expanded the eligibility criteria for drivers to use an Ignition Interlock Device, a breathalyzer installed in a vehicle that requires a breath sample before the car will start. This change allows more eligible individuals, including some first-time offenders, to maintain driving privileges while ensuring public safety.
Moreover, the consequences for refusing a chemical test after a lawful DUI arrest have been revised under the state’s Implied Consent Law, which can now result in an automatic one-year license suspension. These legislative updates demonstrate a tightening of consequences at the state level, providing another layer of deterrent.
The message from Milton is clear: while DUI is a significant statewide concern, local law enforcement can make a difference through targeted, high-impact prevention programs and strong partnerships. By engaging with their community, especially its youngest drivers, the Milton Police Department is working to solve the problem one thoughtful traffic stop and one comprehensive safety demonstration at a time.