LAVONIA, Ga. — Drivers in Lavonia can expect to see an increased police presence over the coming weeks as the Lavonia Police Department (LPD) kicks off its annual holiday safety initiative.
Running from Dec. 10, 2025, through Jan. 1, 2026, the department is joining law enforcement agencies across Georgia for the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. The initiative aims to curb impaired driving during the holiday season, which is traditionally one of the busiest and most dangerous times for travel on American roadways.
According to department officials, officers will increase proactive enforcement contacts to identify and remove impaired drivers from the road. While the department is prepared to issue citations when necessary, leadership emphasizes that the primary objective is education and crash prevention rather than punishment.
“Sometimes a simple conversation or reminder about the law is all that’s needed to keep someone safe,” said Lavonia Police Chief Shane Edmisten. “Our focus is on proactive contacts and making sure everyone gets home safely for the holidays. We do this by looking for impaired drivers and distracted drivers.”
With impaired driving remaining a leading cause of serious injury and fatalities nationwide, the LPD is urging residents to plan ahead. Officials recommend securing designated drivers and making responsible choices regarding alcohol and drug use before getting behind the wheel.
“We appreciate the hard work of our officers and their ongoing commitment to public safety,” Edmisten said. “Thank you to our community for partnering with us to keep Lavonia safe.”
For more information on national impaired driving prevention statistics and strategies, visit www.nhtsa.gov.
