Thirteen Killed in Georgia Over Independence Day Holiday Travel Period

ATLANTA, GA — Georgia law enforcement agencies reported a total of 13 traffic-related fatalities during the 78-hour Independence Day holiday travel period, which began at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, and ended at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 6.

According to preliminary figures from the Georgia Department of Public Safety, Georgia State Patrol (GSP) Troopers investigated eight fatal crashes. Local law enforcement agencies, including the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, Hall County Sheriff’s Office, Jones County Sheriff’s Office, and South Fulton Police Department, investigated an additional four crashes that resulted in five more deaths.

GSP Troopers also responded to more than 275 crashes during the holiday period, with approximately 135 injuries reported statewide.

Enforcement efforts were extensive. GSP Troopers and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers made more than 20,970 traffic stops, issued 14,710 warnings and 11,665 citations, and arrested more than 490 individuals for driving under the influence. Officers also cited over 1,335 drivers for seatbelt violations, more than 250 for child restraint violations, and issued more than 790 citations for distracted driving.

These statistics are considered preliminary and may be revised as investigations continue.