It is no secret that driving under the influence is one of the most dangerous actions a person can take, both in regards to their own safety and those around them. States all over the nation are taking a stand against this irresponsible behavior, marking habitual drunk drivers with special license plates. While some states may make their markings painfully obvious with a bright color, Georgia took a more subtle approach, using special serial numbers that only officers would know to look out for.
These plates were first put in use in 2006, and since then, fatal accidents caused by drunk drivers has reduced by 35 percent. While no one can say for certain that these plates were the main contributor to this statistic, it seems that officers who are able to locate habitual drunk drivers and stop them before they hurt someone is doing some good. In addition, Georgia’s method of identifying these drivers protects their identity better than bright stickers do.
Certain requirements must be met before this license plate is given. Mainly, a driver must be pulled over for drunk driving at last twice. After that, the courts can decide whether they should receive a “scarlet letter” plate. If so, they must use a specialized plate until their full driving privileges are restored.
While no one can say for sure these plates are 100 percent effective, the fact that officers can quickly identify and more carefully observe these typically dangerous drivers puts many Georgia residents at ease. If you have been in an accident caused by a drunk driver in Macon, it is imperative you contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. They can guide you through the process of claiming damages against the driver.
