No fatalities were reported in Walton or Gwinnett County over the travel period
The number of fatalities on Georgia roads at 15 over the 2022 Labor Day travel period is more than the 11 total fatalities reported last year. According to the final update from Georgia State Patrol, troopers investigated nine fatal traffic crashes, and local law enforcement agencies investigated five fatal traffic crashes resulting in 15 deaths across Georgia during the 78-hour Labor Day holiday travel period.
Local law enforcement agencies reporting fatalities during the period include the Atlanta Police Department (2), Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, Clayton County Police Department, and Cobb County Police Department.
In addition to fatal crashes, GSP Troopers investigated more than 400 traffic crashes statewide, resulting in over 200 injuries. Troopers and Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD) Officers arrested more than 300 individuals for driving under the influence, made more than 12,600 stops, and issued about 7,300 citations and over 7,700 warnings.
These crash statistics are preliminary findings and can change any time after the holiday travel period.
2022 Labor Day Holiday Traffic Count
Friday, September 2, at 6 p.m. – Monday, September 6, at 11:59 p.m.
78-Hour Holiday Period
| Total Fatalities Reported in Georgia | Deaths |
| Fatalities Investigated by GSP Troopers | 10 (9 crashes investigated) |
| Fatalities Investigated by Local Agencies | 5 (5 crashes investigated) |
| Total Fatalities Statewide for Holiday Period | 15 (14 crashes investigated) |
| GSP Troops | Agencies Reporting Fatalities | Total Fatalities |
| Troop A | 0 | |
| Troop B | GSP Post 52 Hartwell; GSP Post 7 Toccoa | 2 |
| Troop C | GSP Post 47 Forest Park (2); GSP Post 9 Marietta; Atlanta PD (2); Clayton County PD; Cobb County PD | 7 |
| Troop D | GSP Post 24 Newnan; Bibb County SO | 2 |
| Troop E | 0 | |
| Troop F | GSP Post 21 Sylvania | 1 |
| Troop G | GSP Post 40 Albany | 1 |
| Troop H | GSP Post 30 Cordele; GSP Post 31 Valdosta | 2 |
| Troop I | 0 | |
| TOTAL | 15 |
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At 6 a.m. on Labor Day 2022, the Georgia road fatalities total 11, the same number reported for the full Labor Day weekend in 2021. No fatalities have been reported on Walton or Gwinnett County roads. There are still 18 hours remaining in the travel period, which ends at 11:50 p.m. tonight,
(Atlanta, GA) – The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) and the Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD) are urging motorists to practice safe driving habits this weekend as they travel to celebrate Labor Day, the last summer holiday. The holiday travel period begins Friday, September 2, at 6 p.m. and ends Monday, September 5, at 11:59 p.m.
“The Labor Day holiday signals the end of the summer travel season, and travelers will use the extended weekend to take their final summer trips,” Colonel Christopher Wright, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety said in a press release. “Celebrations across the state will increase traffic on our highways. We encourage all drivers to practice safe driving habits to make it to their destinations and back home safely.”
To keep the number of traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities as low as possible, Troopers and MCCD Officers will be highly visible during the 78-hour weekend patrolling interstates and secondary roads, looking for impaired drivers, speeders, distracted drivers, seatbelt violations, and unsafe drivers.
During the 2021 Labor Day holiday period, Troopers investigated 295 crashes, resulting in 11 fatalities and 190 injuries. The statewide total for fatality crashes was 14. Troopers also made 298 arrests for those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Here are some travel tips to keep you and your loved ones safe as you travel this weekend:
- Observe the posted speed limit. When you exceed the speed limit, you reduce the available time needed to avoid a traffic crash.
- Observe all traffic laws and signals. Traffic laws and signals exist for your safety; failure to obey them can result in crashes that may seriously injure or kill you or others. To follow the laws, you must first know and understand them.
- Do not drive impaired. Designate a sober driver, call a taxi, rideshare service, friend, or family member to get you home safely.
- Make sure everyone in the vehicle wears a seatbelt. Also, properly install child safety seats. Georgia law requires children under eight to be in either a car seat or booster seat suitable for their age, weight, and height.
- Show common courtesy to other motorists and pedestrians on the roads. Be mindful of your fellow motorists, especially the most vulnerable, pedestrians and cyclists. Stop at all stop signs, traffic signals, and crosswalks, and check your blind spots.
- Pay attention to large trucks and buses. Leave extra space when merging in front of these large vehicles, anticipate wide turns, stay a safe distance back, signal clearly when merging in front of or passing, and be patient.
- Do not drive distracted. Refrain from performing any activity that may take your focus off the road, such as texting while driving. On July 1, 2018, the Hands-Free Georgia Act became effective. It prohibits all drivers from using hand-held cell phones while driving. A link to the complete law can be found on the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety website at www.gahighwaysafety.org.
The Department of Public Safety will update the holiday traffic count at http//twitter.com/ga_dps and on all social media platforms throughout the holiday weekend.
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