ATLANTA — Georgia State Patrol troopers and their Motor Carrier Compliance (MCCD) officers want drivers to be cautious on the roadways this holiday season.
Because of the Christmas and New Year’s holiday travel periods, troopers and MCCD officers will be patrolling on interstates and state roads.
“It is still the primary focus and commitment of State Troopers and Officers to focus on motorists who break state traffic laws and exercise bad driving habits that could potentially cause serious injuries or fatal crashes. We encourage all motorists to make safety their top priority when traveling on Georgia’s roadways,” said Colonel Billy Hitchens, Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety (DPS).
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
During last year’s Christmas holiday, there were 16 fatalities statewide. GSP says they “investigated 589 crashes that resulted in nearly 335 injuries and 11 fatalities.”
In comparison to 2023 Christmas holiday, on New Year’s 2023, GSP investigated nine statewide fatalities. They also “investigated 317 crashes that resulted in approximately 177 injuries and three fatalities.”
TRENDING STORIES:
- Final suspect in ‘lover’s quarrel’ murder to spend decades in prison after guilty plea
- Driver crashes into APD patrol car head-on after leading GSP on chase in Buckhead
- Deputies searching for ‘Grinches-in-training’ after damaging holiday decorations in Carroll Co.
“This is a festive time of the year! We want everyone to drive sober, stay focused, obey the laws and enjoy this holiday season with family and friends. Always have a plan to have a sober driver to help make our roads safer for everyone. If you are caught driving impaired, you will be arrested,” added Colonel Hitchens.
If you plan to be on the road during these high-traffic periods, you are encouraged to follow posted speed limits, drive only when alert and refreshed and to slow down and move over to prevent tragedies.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
©2024 Cox Media Group
