The Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) has awarded a $52,463.84 grant to the Atlanta Police Department to support enforcement against driving under the influence and other dangerous driving behaviors. The funding, part of a program benefiting 26 law enforcement agencies across Georgia, will be used for the department's Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic (H.E.A.T.) operations during Federal Fiscal Year 2026, running from October 1, through September 30, 2026, according to the Atlanta Police Department.
The Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) takes a two-pronged approach to improving traffic safety: strict enforcement and public education about the dangers of unsafe driving. "Crash data shows enforcement and education of traffic laws are two of most effective countermeasures to help our state and nation reduce crashes and eliminate deaths and serious injuries on our roads," said Allen Poole, Director of GOHS, in an official announcement explaining the purpose of the grant program.
The grant provides the H.E.A.T. unit with the resources to plan and carry out campaigns aimed at reducing traffic collisions in Atlanta, a city that continues to face challenges from impaired and reckless driving. GOHS data shows that jurisdictions like Atlanta, with high rates of traffic crashes, are prioritized for grants based on speeding and impaired driving statistics.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum emphasized the importance of the grant, stating in an official announcement, "Atlanta is a community that succeeds when we work together." He highlighted that the funding supports efforts to reduce impaired and reckless driving.
The Atlanta Police Department also participates in national traffic safety campaigns such as "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" and "Click It or Ticket." These initiatives involve visible patrols, multi-jurisdiction road checks, and checkpoints aimed at reducing impaired driving. The public can find more information on upcoming campaigns on the GOHS website.
