08/27/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/28/2024 06:21
August 27, 2024
For Immediate Release:
August 28, 2024
(ATLANTA, GA) - As the Labor Day holiday approaches, thousands of Georgians will hit the road to celebrate the unofficial end of summer. The Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds motorists that Troopers with the Georgia State Patrol (GSP) and Officers with the Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD) will conduct high visibility patrols on interstates and secondary roads, looking for unsafe driving behaviors that put travelers at risk.
During the 2023 Labor Day holiday travel period, Troopers investigated 552 crashes, resulting in 15 fatality crashes, 9 fatalities, and 321 injuries, with 26 total fatalities statewide. Troopers also made 379 arrests for those driving under the influence.
"As summer comes to an unofficial close with the upcoming Labor Day Travel period, we know that many families and friends will be traveling on Georgia roadways. AAA expects overall travel to increase by 9% compared to last year, and TSA projects this to be the busiest Labor Day Travel Period on record," said Colonel William W. Hitchens, III, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety. "We urge all drivers to prioritize safety for themselves, their passengers, and the motoring public. This means buckling up, ensuring that all children are properly restrained, minimizing distractions, staying focused on the roadway, and making responsible decisions. We want everyone to arrive safely at their destinations and we ask that all drivers do their part to keep our roadways safe. If you encounter an issue while traveling through Georgia, please don't hesitate to call *GSP," said Colonel Hitchens.
The 78-hour holiday travel period begins Friday, August 30, at 6:00 p.m., and ends Monday, September 2, at 11:59 p.m. GSP and MCCD will focus on seatbelt violations, speeding violations, distracted drivers, those driving under the influence, and other dangerous driving behaviors that often lead to crashes.
Here are some travel tips to keep you and your loved ones safe as you travel this weekend:
Additional travel/safety tips:
Worst and Best Times to Travel by Car |
|||
Direction |
Date |
Worst Time |
Best Time |
Departing |
Friday, Aug 30 |
2:00 - 6:00 PM |
Before Noon, After 7 PM |
Saturday, Aug 31 |
8:00 - 11:00 AM |
After Noon |
|
Returning |
Sunday, Sep 1 Monday, Sep 2 |
2:00 - 8:00 PM 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
Before Noon Before 10:00 AM |
DPS wants everyone to enjoy their holiday, but please make save driving decisions when traveling to your destination.
The Department of Public Safety (@ga_dps) will update the holiday traffic count on X (formerly Twitter) throughout the holiday weekend.