Highway Patrols Ramp Up for Labor Day Travel in Georgia

As the Labor Day holiday approaches, thousands of Georgians are expected to travel to mark the unofficial end of summer. The Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) has announced 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 to monitor and address unsafe driving behaviors.

During the 2023 Labor Day travel period, GSP Troopers investigated 552 crashes, resulting in 15 fatality crashes, 9 fatalities, and 321 injuries. In total, there were 26 fatalities statewide. Additionally, Troopers made 379 arrests for driving under the influence.

Colonel William W. Hitchens, III, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety, emphasized the importance of safety. “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. 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 will begin on Friday, August 30, at 6:00 p.m., and end on Monday, September 2, at 11:59 p.m. GSP and MCCD will focus on enforcing seatbelt and speeding violations, addressing distracted driving, and detecting driving under the influence.

Travel tips for a safe journey include:

Observing the posted speed limit to increase reaction time in case of sudden hazards.
Adhering to traffic laws and signals to avoid accidents.
Avoiding impaired driving by designating a sober driver or using alternative transportation options.
Ensuring all passengers are wearing seatbelts and that child safety seats are properly installed, as required by Georgia law.
Showing courtesy to other road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.
Avoiding distractions, such as texting while driving, as per the Hands-Free Georgia Act.
Being well-rested and alert.
Using caution in work zones and avoiding following other vehicles too closely.
Preparing your vehicle for long trips by checking tires, fluids, and other maintenance needs.
Planning your route and allowing extra time for travel.
Avoiding abrupt lane changes in front of large trucks and being aware of trucks’ blind spots.

DPS urges drivers to make safe decisions to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for all travelers.