Georgia State Patrol troopers and Motor Carrier Compliance Division officers encourage motorists to exercise safe driving habits during the Christmas holiday travel period in an effort to reduce the number of crashes on Georgia roadways. The Christmas travel period is 78 hours long, lasting from 6:00 P.M. on Thursday, December 24 through 11:59 P.M. on Sunday, December 27.
“This year has been one for the record books; however, it is still the primary focus and commitment of State Troopers and Officers to focus on motorists who break state traffic laws and exercise bad driving habits that could potentially cause serious injuries or fatal crashes,” said Colonel Chris C. Wright, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety.
According to the American Automobile Association, there will be a 29% decrease in holiday travel between December 23 and January 3 when compared to last year’s holiday season, due to public health concerns, official guidance not to travel, and an overall decline in consumer sentiment which has encouraged many Americans to stay home for the holidays.
Last year, the 2019 Christmas holiday travel period was 54 hours long. The Georgia State Patrol investigated 248 crashes that resulted in 149 injuries and nine fatalities. Troopers and officers issued a total of 5,333 citations and 8,222 warnings. 124 people were arrested for driving impaired.
If an individual plans to include alcohol consumption in holiday celebrations, make sure to plan for a sober designated driver by contacting a taxi or rideshare, a friend, or family member to help get home safely. Make these decisions before getting into the holiday spirit.
In addition to enforcing traffic laws, Troopers and Officers caution drivers to avoid becoming a distracted driver. The most important thing is to stay focused on where the destination and the surrounding drivers so that crashes do not ruin Christmas festivities.