The 2004 General Assembly strengthened many of Georgia's existing traffic safety laws while creating new and tougher laws dealing with “drunk driving” and “teens”. Following high-spirited and well intentioned discussion, Georgia moved progressively into the new millennium with stronger traffic safety laws. Major legislative accomplishments dealing with highway safety are as follows:

Requires every driver who transports a child six years of age or younger to place the child in a child passenger restraining system approved by the United States Department of Transportation.

Only when the child's parent or guardian obtains a physician's written statement that a physical or medical condition of the child prevents the child from being placed in the child passenger restraining system is a child exempt from this requirement.

House Bill 385 (DUI/Aggressive Driving)

A blue ribbon study commission was formed comprised of 21 members to study teen driving and submit proposed solutions.

DUI

1) Reduction of the alcohol concentration level at which a person commits a per se DUI offense from .10 to .08.

2) Repeat DUI offenders (2 convictions within 5 years).

a) one- year hard suspension

b) mandatory 3 days in jail and 30 days community service

c) surrender of license plate on all vehicles registered to offender

d) ignition interlock after suspension period (6 months).

3) Repeat DUI offenders (3 convictions within 5 years)

a) two- year hard suspension

b) mandatory 15 days and 30 days of community service

c) surrender of license plate on all vehicles registered to offender

d) ignition interlock after suspension period (6 months).

4) Open containers of alcohol will be prohibited in the passenger area of a motor vehicle to include a driver and/or passenger.

Aggressive Driving

a) The bill provides that operating a vehicle with intent to harass or intimidate another driver is a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. (6 point driving violation)

Senate Bill 1 (Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act revision)

On and after January 1, 2002, anyone who obtains an initial Class D driver's license must have completed: (1) an approved driver education course and in addition a cumulative total of at least 20 hours of supervised driving of which at least six must be at night; or (2) a cumulative total of at least 40 hours of supervised driving to include at least six hours must be at night. Supervised driving may be provided by any licensed Class C driver who is at least 21 years of age.

No driving by Class D driver between 12:00 Midnight and 6:00 – no exception such employment

No driving with any non-family passengers under the age of 21 for the first 6 months.

A comprehensive on-the-road driving test must be taken and passed

Senate Resolution 134 (Emergency Care of Injuries Study Committee)

This resolution will create a Joint Study Committee on the Prevention and Emergency Care of Injuries in Georgia. The GOHS Director will be a member of this committee.

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