Augusta, GA – A series of safety checkpoints over the weekend led to multiple arrests and citations across the Augusta region, as local authorities took a proactive stance on improving road safety. Richmond County officials reported the removal of at least 20 impaired drivers from the streets during the blitz.

The operation, conducted from 8 p.m. Friday to 3 a.m. Saturday, involved a coordinated effort between the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, the East Central Traffic Enforcement Network (ECTEN), the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, and the Georgia State Patrol. According to Captain Mike Lewis of the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, the results were both significant and encouraging.

In addition to the arrests for impaired driving, officers issued multiple citations, including:

• Nine for seat belt violations.
• Five for child safety seat violations.
• Two for uninsured motorists.
• Ten for suspended driver’s licenses.
• Two for suspended tags.
• One arrest for an outstanding warrant.
• One arrest on felony drug charges.

Lewis described the operation as a “great success,” adding that it helped make roads in Richmond County safer. “We look forward to continued collaboration to enhance roadway safety in our community,” he said.

The checkpoint also had a focus on child passenger safety. Officers assisted numerous families, ensuring children were properly secured in appropriate car seats. Grovetown Police Chief Jamey Kitchens, who serves as the ECTEN coordinator for an 11-county region, emphasized the importance of such measures. “You never know when you might save a child’s life at an event such as this,” said Kitchens. “Through the Department of Health and ECTEN, we were able to provide complimentary car seats to those in need, helping us to further our goal of saving lives.”

Powell Harrelson of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety reinforced the legality of the checkpoints, citing the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Michigan v. Sitz, which allows for such roadblocks. Harrelson noted that while the exact number of lives saved through these checkpoints is unknown, studies from the CDC and other organizations show a reduction in alcohol-related crashes, along with a positive impact on responsible decision-making among drivers.

This safety operation highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to reduce risks on the road and promote responsible driving behaviors in the Augusta area.