The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) and the Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD) will be in full force during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday travel period. The 102-hour holiday travel period begins at 6:00 P.M. on Wednesday, November 25 and ends at 11:59 P.M. on Sunday, November 29.
“Troopers and Motor Carrier Officers will be patrolling interstates and secondary roads throughout the state to reduce traffic crashes, deter and correct bad driving behaviors, and make the roadways safer this holiday period,” said Colonel Chris C. Wright, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety.
During the 2019 Thanksgiving holiday, the Georgia State Patrol investigated 615 crashes, resulting in 287 injuries. Statewide, there were 12 fatal crashes, resulting in 12 deaths, and of those crashes, the GSP investigated nine fatal crashes resulting in nine fatalities. In addition to crash investigations, Troopers and Officers arrested 343 people for driving under the influence, while issuing 11,935 citations and 16,243 warnings.
“Motorists should travel with patience, allow plenty of time to reach their destinations, be mindful and obey the posted speed limit, ensure every occupant is properly restrained in their vehicle, and never drive distracted or impaired,” added Colonel Wright.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) projects traveling by automobile to fall 4.3 percent, to 47.8 million travelers and account for 95 percent of all holiday travel in 2020. They also claim that those who decide to travel are likely to drive shorter distances and reduce the number of days they are away, making road trips the dominant form of travel this Thanksgiving, due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation.
Here are some travel tips to keep in mind this holiday weekend:
- Obey the posted speed limit. When one exceeds the speed limit, they reduce the amount of available time needed to avoid a traffic crash.
- Do not drive impaired. Designate a sober driver, call a taxi, ride share service, friend, or family member to help get home safely.
- Buckle Up. Make sure everyone in the vehicle wears a seat belt and that children are properly restrained in the appropriate child safety seats. Georgia law requires children under the age of eight to be in either a car seat or booster seat suitable for their age, weight, and height.
- Pay attention to the road. Limit distractions. Never use electronic devices to text or surf the web while driving. The Hands-Free Georgia Act prohibits all drivers from using hand-held cell phones while driving.
- Plan the trip. Minimize the number of stops towards the destination by packing meals, extra snacks and drinks, as well as an emergency roadside kit.
- Do not leave children and pets in hot cars. Regularly check the back seat and back floor area for children and animals, each time when exiting the vehicle.
- Stay alert of surroundings and show common courtesy to other motorists and pedestrians on the roads. Be courteous to other drivers. Everyone is in this together!