An excessive number of traffic deaths in Hall County has led to law enforcement agencies in the county receiving a state grant of almost $500,000, officials said.
The Hall County Sheriff’s Office and Gainesville police will jointly use the money from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, according to a news release.
The money will go for three patrol vehicles, and salaries and benefits for officers for three years, officials said.
Hall had 71 traffic deaths in the past 25 months, according to the release.
“It is very heartbreaking when we see 71 precious people whose presence will never be enjoyed by their friends and family,” Hall Sheriff Gerald Couch said.
“Agencies like the Hall County Sheriff’s Office and Gainesville Police Department receive these (Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic) grants because they have shown a particular dedication to protecting their citizens from impaired drivers,” said Harris Blackwood, director of the GOHS.
“This dedication is crucial because alcohol-related crash deaths still account for 25 percent of traffic fatalities in Georgia.”
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