Also, fire

safety officials are urging citizens to avoid the personal use of fireworks

during the holiday.

As many as

11 people could die in traffic crashes during the short 30-hour holiday

period, according to the Georgia State Patrol. Troopers will be patrolling

both interstates and secondary roads, concentrating on impaired drivers,

said Col. George Ellis.

Ellis reminded

motorists that they can report suspected drunk drivers toll-free to the

nearest Georgia State Patrol post by dialing *477 on their cellular phones.

The use of

fireworks during the holiday can create wildfires in addition to personal

injuries and property damage, said John Oxendine, Georgia's insurance

and safety fire commissioner.

Oxendine recommended

attending public fireworks displays performed by licensed professionals

to observe July 4.

Fireworks are

the cause of more fires on the holiday than all other causes combined,

according to statistics. Georgia law forbids the sale and use of all fireworks,

including firecrackers, cherry bombs and sparklers.

He asked parents

to be aware of their children's actions so they can be protected from

harm.

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