GA DPS: GSP TROOPERS AND MCCD OFFICERS TO CONDUCT HIGH VISIBILITY PATROLS THIS LABOR DAY WEEKEND

Media release from the Georgia Department of Public Safety:

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:

• Observe the posted speed limit. When you exceed the speed limit, you reduce the amount of 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 cause serious injuries or fatalities. 
• Do not drive impaired. Designate a sober driver, call a taxi, rideshare service, friend, or family member to help you get home safely.
• Make sure everyone in the vehicle wears a seatbelt. Also, properly install child safety seats. Georgia law requires children under eight-years-old should ride 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 road users, especially the most vulnerable, pedestrians and cyclists. 
• Do not drive distracted. Refrain from performing any activity that may take your focus off the road, such as texting while driving. Effective July 1, 2018, the Hands-Free Georgia Act prohibits all drivers from using hand-held cell phones while driving. The full law can be found on the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety’s website at www.gahighwaysafety.org.

Additional travel/safety tips:

• Be well-rested and alert.
• Use caution in work zones. There are many construction projects underway on Georgia highways and roadways.
• Do not follow other vehicles too closely.
• Prepare your vehicle for long-distance travel. Check your tires, wipers, fluids, and service your cooling system. Simple maintenance can prevent many of the problems that lead to stranded motorists.
• Plan. Before traveling, know your exit name and number, and watch the signs as you approach the off-ramp. Drivers making unexpected lane changes to exit often cause accidents.
• Use a map or GPS. Plan your route. Knowing the road is essential for safe driving and helps you avoid a panicked search for directions.
• Leave early and avoid risks. Leave early and allow for delays in your travel schedule. Know your limitations; do not drive when tired, upset, physically ill, or impaired.
• Do not make abrupt lane changes in front of large trucks. Large trucks and commercial motor vehicles are heavy and take longer to make a complete stop, so avoid abrupt lane changes in front of them. 
• Be aware of trucks’ blind spots. When sharing the road with large trucks, be aware of their blind spots. If you cannot see the driver’s mirrors, the driver cannot see you.

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.