States represented at the event are members of Operation C.A.R.E. Region IV. They are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Operation C.A.R.E., or Combined Accident Reduction Effort, now in its 29th year, is a joint effort by state police agencies nationwide to reduce traffic crashes, deaths and injuries through intensive enforcement of traffic laws and safety awareness efforts during selected holiday periods.

Region IV coordinator Lt. Jeff Babb of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol said state police throughout the region will be working toward the goal of zero alcohol-related fatalities during the 24-hour Labor Day period. "Zero DUI fatalities during a single day is an achievable goal, and can be the catalyst for significant reductions in traffic fatalities throughout the year," said Babb. "We hope the public will join with us in achieving this goal by driving sober and preventing friends and family members from driving while impaired by alcohol."

Babb said C.A.R.E. provides a forum for state police agencies to share enforcement and public awareness initiatives that have proven effective in their respective areas. "Intensive traffic enforcement and the collection of arrest data that reflect our combined efforts are keys to C.A.R.E.'s mission. It's important, too, that we communicate to the public C.A.R.E. agencies' commitment to their safety. Special initiatives like 'Zero for 24' help us do that. Preventing deaths and injuries on our nation's roadways is the primary mission of Operation C.A.R.E."

For additional information contact: Gordy Wright, Deputy Director, Public Information Georgia Department of Public Safety, gwright@gsp.net.