The Georgia Department of Public Safety gave an update Monday on the number of traffic crashes across Georgia during the 2019 Thanksgiving holiday travel period and, despite a predicted 2.8 % increase in the number of motorists on the road, results were down almost across the board. During the 102-hour travel period that began at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27 and ended at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1, 12 traffic fatalities were reported in Georgia. This is compared to 15 during the same travel period in 2018.
Statewide, Georgia State Troopers investigated 556 traffic crashes that resulted in 214 injuries and nine fatalities. Three fatalities were reported by other agencies. In addition to the traffic crash investigations, 325 people were arrested for driving under the influence. Troopers, MCCD Officers and Capitol Police Officer issued 11,735 citations and 16,259 warnings.
During the 2018 Thanksgiving holiday, the Georgia State Patrol investigated 610 crashes, resulting in 242 injuries. Statewide, there were 15 fatal crashes, resulting in 15 deaths. GSP investigated ten of those crashes. In addition to crash investigations, Troopers arrested 339 people for driving under the influence, while issuing 11,523 citations (500 for distracted driving) and 17,046 warnings.
Local agencies reporting the other three traffic deaths during the holiday period were: Clayton Co. PD, South Fulton PD, and Henry Co. PD.
“Reducing traffic crashes, deterring and correcting bad driving behaviors, and making the roadways safer is our job. To make this happen, Troopers and Motor Carrier Officers will be patrolling interstates and secondary roads throughout the state during this holiday period”, said Colonel Mark W. McDonough, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety.
According to AAA, this year we will see the highest Thanksgiving travel volume since 2005. They are predicting most travelers – 49.3 million, a 2.8% increase from last year – will be traveling by automobile.
“Motorists should travel with patience and allow plenty of time to reach their destinations,” said Colonel McDonough. “In order to make traveling safer, drivers should be mindful and obey the posted speed limit, have every occupant in their vehicle properly retrained, and never drive distracted or impaired,” he added.
During the 2018 Thanksgiving holiday, the Georgia State Patrol investigated 610 crashes, resulting in 242 injuries. Statewide, there were 15 fatal crashes, resulting in 15 deaths. GSP investigated ten of those crashes. In addition to crash investigations, Troopers arrested 339 people for driving under the influence, while issuing 11,523 citations (500 for distracted driving) and 17,046 warnings.
During the holiday period, an updated traffic fatality count will be published on the Department of Public Safety’s Twitter page: http://www.twitter.com/ga_dps.
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