The Georgia State Patrol today announced their participation with law enforcement officers across the state for the annual "100 Days of Summer H.E.A.T." campaign. The high visibility enforcement program's goal is to reduce traffic deaths during the summer months. Coordinated by the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, the H.E.A.T. (Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic) program targets speeders, alcohol and/or drug impaired drivers, aggressive drivers, and people not wearing seat belts or adults who do not properly restrain children. The program continues through Labor Day.

"The period from Memorial Day through Labor Day has often been called the ‘hundred deadly days of summer' and this program is designed to change that," according to Colonel Bill Hitchens, commander of the Georgia State Patrol. "State troopers and Motor Carrier Compliance officers will be fully involved in this summer-long campaign."

The campaign begins with the first seat belt enforcement concentration of the year. Operation Click It or Ticket runs from Monday, May 23 through Sunday, June 5.

During the "100 Days of Summer H.E.A.T." troopers, police officers, and sheriffs' deputies will be conducting road checks and saturation patrols throughout the state.

Hitchens said seat belts should be worn during every trip in a motor vehicle, no matter the distance. He encouraged adults who transport children to make sure child safety seats are properly installed and children are restrained at all times in a motor vehicle. "Children do not know they are at risk while traveling in a motor vehicle and adults must make sure they are safe," he said.