Between now and the New Year’s holiday, deputies with the Covington County Sheriff’s Office will be actively watching the roadways for impaired drivers and speeders, in an effort to ensure safe holiday travel.

“We’re going to be out doing what we call a traffic blitz,” said CCSO chief deputy David Anderson. “Basically, it’s saturated patrol of the county where we are targeting speeders, people driving under the influence and seat belt and child safety restraint violations.”

To cover the additional expense associated with overtime for deputies, Anderson said the sheriff’s office was awarded a grant from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), which is administered through the Southeast Alabama Regional Traffic and Safety Division.

Anderson said deputies will concentrate their efforts on county roads and some state roads.

An estimated 41 million Americans traveled from home during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

“With the sheer number of people on the roads, partaking in holiday festivities, safety is our No. 1 priority,” Anderson said. “It is important for motorists to realize that we will be out in full force and striving to keep our roads safe.

“An impaired driver behind the wheel is a crash waiting to happen,” he said. “We, like other law enforcement agencies around the state, are committed to preventing crashes, injuries and fatalities involving alcohol by identifying and removing those impaired drivers from the roadway.”

Anderson said motorists should be reminded about the importance of using seat belts, following all the traffic laws, and driving with care and caution.

“Distractions abound during the holiday season, so please remember to focus first and foremost on the driving task,” he said. “Your safety and that of your passengers and fellow motorists depend on it.”