Updated at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 6
At the end of the 78-hour July 4th holiday weekend travel period for 2025, the fatality count on Georgia roads was 13. This is an increase of one over last year’s holiday travel period that was 102 hours long. None of the fatalities were reported in either Walton or Gwinnett counties.
Update at 6 a.m. on Sunday July 6
According to the Department of Public Safety, at 6 a.m. on Sunday, July 6, the travel fatality count on Georgia roads for the 2025 July 4th holiday travel weekend was nine. With 18 hours still remaining in the monitored travel period, no fatalities were recorded on Gwinnett or Walton County roads.
Update at 6 a.m. Saturday, July 5
According to the Department of Public Safety, at 6 a.m. on Saturday, July 5, not yet quite half way through the 78-hour 2025 July 4th holiday weekend travel period, the fatality count on Georgia roads is seven. None of the fatalities were on Gwinnett or Walton County roads.
Initial Story
ATLANTA, GA – The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE), formerly the Motor Carrier Compliance Division, are urging motorists to drive safely and responsibly during the upcoming 78-hour Independence Day holiday travel period. The holiday period begins Thursday, July 3, at 6 p.m. and ends Sunday, July 6, at 11:59 p.m.
Last year’s 102-hour holiday period resulted in 15,942 citations, 18,529 warnings, and 472 DUI arrests by state troopers and commercial vehicle officers. Troopers investigated 537 traffic crashes, which led to 312 injuries and 12 fatalities, with local law enforcement agencies investigating an additional six fatalities.
“We urge everyone to follow traffic laws, drive sober, avoid distractions, wear seatbelts, and make sure children are properly restrained,” said Colonel William W. Hitchens III, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety. “State Troopers and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers will be out in full force on Georgia’s interstates, highways, and local roads throughout the holiday period.”
According to AAA, a record 61.6 million people are expected to travel by car this Independence Day—an increase of 2.2% from last year, and the highest volume on record.
Throughout the holiday period, State Troopers and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers will participate in the national Operation Zero Tolerance campaign to combat impaired driving, as well as the 100 Days of Summer H.E.A.T. initiative focused on enforcing laws against aggressive and dangerous driving behaviors. Troopers will work in coordination with sheriff’s offices and local police departments to identify and arrest impaired drivers while also targeting excessive speeding and distracted driving.
Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car
| Date | Worst Travel Time | Best Travel Time |
| Thursday, Jul 03 | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Before 12:00 PM |
| Friday, Jul 04 | 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Before 12:00 PM |
| Saturday, Jul 05 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Before 11:00 AM |
| Sunday, Jul 06 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Before 11:00 AM |
Source: INRIX
Georgia’s holiday traffic count will be updated throughout the holiday period on the Department of Public Safety’s social media platforms:
X: https://x.com/ga_dps
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gadepartmentofpublicsafety
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ga_dps/
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