2020 GOHS|TEAM Georgia Safe Holiday Press Conference

On Tuesday morning, December 8, 2020, TEAM Georgia kicked off its 28th Anniversary launch of the TEAM Georgia Safe Holiday Campaign within an expanded GOHS "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" press conference at Georgia Gwinnett College. 
Roger Hayes from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety was Master of Ceremonies for the event.

The following individuals made key presentations:
•    Allen Poole, Director of the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.
•    Lt. Colonel Stephanie Stallings, Georgia State Patrol.
•    Terry Schneider, Georgia Gwinnett College Chief of Police and Associate
      VP of Operations.
•    Bob Cucchi, Executive Director, Team Georgia.
•    Colonel Thomas Barnard, Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

The Governor's Office of Highway Safety joined the Georgia State Patrol, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and law enforcement statewide in warning drivers to avoid a trip to jail by making the right decision to not drink and drive. Speakers urged motorists to avoid the tragic consequences of Drunk Driving. The Governor's Office of Highway Safety in conjunction with the Georgia State Patrol and local law enforcement agencies across the state will increase enforcement of DUI, speed, the hands-free law, and all traffic laws in an effort to reduce the number of crashes, injuries and deaths during the holiday season. GOHS and the GSP stressed law enforcement will continue the State's zero tolerance policy of taking all impaired drivers straight to jail. All the media event presenters, including Bob Cucchi, did suggest sharing the Holiday Spirit in a safe and responsible manner. Cucchi was one of the speakers that made a simple suggestion that drivers who plan to drink alcohol need to have a pre-party strategy to make sure everyone in their group arrives home safely. "These drivers must execute that strategy to arrive home safely".

The following sponsors and partners were also acknowledged by Cucchi for their invaluable support of this year’s TEAM Georgia Safe Holiday Program:
•     AAA
•    The Budweiser Good Sport and AAA Tow to Go Program,
•    The Georgia Restaurant Association,
•    Alan Vigil Ford Lincoln in Morrow and Fayetteville
•    The Local Ford Dealers.

For his part, Cucchi thanked everyone for attending the media event as we start to usher in the Holiday Season. He reminded the audience that there are many easy ways we all can be SAFE this Holiday Season:

•    Select a Designated Driver who can make sure your friends and guests
     arrive home safely from your outing.
•    Pass the Keys if you feel you are impaired to someone who has not been
     drinking.
•    Call AAA/Budweiser Tow to Go for a free ride home. 1-800-AAA-HELP
•    If you find yourself suddenly in need of a sober ride home, call a sober
     friend, taxi, rideshare service or use public transportation.
•    Use the GOHS Drive Sober, Georgia App to find a safe ride home.
•    Ask your bartender or host to call a driving service for you so you can arrive
     home safely.

Cucchi ended his presentation by wishing everyone a Safe and Happy Holiday Season.

Link to the Georgia GOHS Facebook Page to see the media event:
https://www.facebook.com/GAHighwaySafety/
 
Link to the Fox 5 story covering the event:
https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/georgia-law-enforcement-step-up-enforcement-during-holiday-season

Bob Cucchi
TEAM Georgia