Newton County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) is starting its St. Patrick’s Day early with its H.E.A.T. Unit (Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic) being out in force.  The unit will start today, Wednesday, March 15 and will continue throughout the holiday weekend targeting any and all traffic infractions to include but is not limited to aggressive driving, distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence and seatbelt violations.

This year alone, Newton County has already had three traffic fatalities and the H.E.A.T Unit will be in all areas of the county, to include local municipalities, in an effort to prevent a fourth. 

With that, NCSO would like to remind the citizens as well as visitors of Newton County, if you plan on drinking, drink responsibly and make plans ahead of time for appropriate transportation. Don’t press your luck on St. Patrick’s Day by driving under the influence! 

If you see someone who appears to be driving drunk, call 911. The term “See something, say something” applies to traffic infractions as well as crime in general.

Your actions could help save a life.