Local & State Headlines

Police Click-It and Chick-It

• A statewide Click-It or Ticket campaign begins Monday, authorities say.

J.D. Sumner

ALBANY — The Dougherty County Police partnered with a local restaurant Friday to promote safe driving, a week before the traditional kick off to the Summer driving season.

DCP Lt. Tom Jackson concedes that few people who pass through his department’s roadblocks actually leave happy, but Friday, as officers handed out Chick-Fil-A coupons, Jackson said some motorists were pleasantly surprised.

“There is a certain gut-check reaction that happens when you drive up on a road check,” Jackson said. “We’ve actually had some drivers try and hand us their insurance and licenses thinking this was a regular roadblock.”

Instead, officers checked to make sure passers-by were wearing their seat belts, handed them a coupon and then issued a somber warning.

“... Click-It or Ticket starts next week,” DCP Officer Chad Kirkpatrick told a driver.

With Memorial Day weekend looming on the horizon, the DCP will join with departments around the state checking for seat belt usage among area drivers. And be forewarned: That little piece of paper they hand out at the next roadblock won’t be a coupon.

“This is a good way for us to partner up with a business to help promote safe driving habits without that fear that people have of police,” Jackson said.

DCP officers moved through several area intersections Friday speaking to motorists and handing out free lunch and some Chik-Fil-A plush toys.

Lovette Young, owner of the Albany Chik-Fil-A that was helping out Friday, said his company prides itself on its community involvement.

“Really, what better way to get involved in the community than to help keep people safe?” Young said.

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