The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) and Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD) are urging motorists in Georgia to celebrate the upcoming Independence Day holiday weekend responsibly. The holiday travel period will span 102 hours, starting from 6 p.m. on Friday, June 30, and ending at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4.
In the previous year’s holiday period, which lasted 78 hours, troopers and motor carrier officers issued over 9,000 citations, more than 8,400 warnings, and made 370 DUI arrests. There were nearly 400 traffic crashes resulting in over 200 injuries and 11 fatalities, with additional fatalities investigated by local law enforcement agencies.
This year also marks the fifth anniversary of the Georgia Hands-Free Law, implemented on July 1, 2018. Since its enactment, troopers and officers have issued over 84,000 Hands-Free citations.
Colonel Christopher C. Wright, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety, emphasizes the importance of safe driving habits during this holiday weekend. Motorists are advised to follow speed limits, use seat belts, be mindful of road conditions, designate a sober driver or use rideshare services if consuming alcohol, and avoid using mobile phones while driving. Patience and courtesy towards other drivers can help prevent road rage incidents.
AAA projects that a record-breaking 50.7 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home during the Independence Day weekend, surpassing the previous record set in 2019.
To ensure safety, state troopers and officers will conduct high-visibility patrols, aiming to minimize traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities. The Georgia State Patrol is actively participating in the Operation Zero Tolerance campaign against impaired driving and the 100 Days of Summer H.E.A.T. (Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic) campaign. Collaboration between troopers, sheriff’s deputies, and police officers will target impaired drivers, speeding violations, and distracted driving.
Updates on Georgia’s holiday traffic count will be available on the Department of Public Safety’s Twitter account and Facebook page throughout the holiday period.
Source(s)
Georgia motorists urged to safely celebrate July 4th holiday – Valdosta Today