Motorists are urged to practice safe driving habits during the upcoming high-traffic Labor Day weekend.
The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) and the Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD) will be on high-visibility during the 78-hour holiday period encouraging motorists to stay safe as they travel throughout the state.
The Labor Day weekend travel period begins Friday, August 30, at 6:00 P.M. and ends Monday, September 2, at 11:59 P.M.
“Troopers and officers will be focused on speeders and unrestrained occupants, as well as distracted and impaired drivers,” said Colonel Chris C. Wright, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety. “We want everyone to enjoy celebrating the holiday this weekend, but the safety of our residents and visitors will always remain our top priority.”
Last year, traffic crashes in Georgia over the Labor Day holiday travel period resulted in 21 deaths.
Statewide, Georgia State Patrol Troopers investigated eight fatal crashes that resulted in nine fatalities.
In addition, the GSP saw more than 300 traffic crashes that ended in nearly 200 injuries. Troopers and Motor Carrier Compliance Division Officers made over 16,000 traffic stops, issued more than 9,300 citations, and delivered over 11,600 warnings.
To allow for the anticipated increase in Labor Day weekend traffic congestion, the Georgia Department of Transportation has announced the suspension of lane closures on Georgia interstates and state routes from 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 30 until 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 3.
While construction related lane closures will be suspended, the DOT reminds travelers to exercise caution when traveling as crews may still work near highways and safety concerns might require some long-term lane closures to remain in place. Incident management, emergency, or maintenance-related lane closures could become necessary at any time on any route.
The Georgia DOT traffic forecast for the Labor Day holiday weekend indicates that the heaviest traffic volumes will occur on Friday, August 30, and Saturday August 31.
Lighter – but still more heavy than normal traffic – is expected on both Sunday, September 1 and Monday, September 2.
Forecasts are based on historical traffic volumes on similar dates around previous Labor Day weekends.