As of Sunday noon, 2023 Labor Day travel weekend in Georgia, road death toll hits 10 – Your Local News

Update: As of Sunday noon, the number of fatalities on Georgia roads in the travel period to Labor Day 2023 was 10. One of the fatalities was reported in Gwinnett County. There were no reports in Walton County at this time. The 78-hour holiday journey begins at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 1st and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 4th. During the entire Labor Day travel period in 2022, 15 fatalities were reported on Georgia roads.

The Georgia State Patrol and Motor Carrier Compliance Division will focus on disabled drivers, speeders, distracted drivers and seat belt violators.

Gives tips for a safe Labor Day Travel weekend in Georgia

(ATLANTA, GA) – As summer draws to a close and thousands of Georgians take to the streets to celebrate Labor Day, the Georgia Department of Public Safety is reminding motorists that Georgia State Patrol (GSP) soldiers and Motor Carrier Compliance Division ( MCCD) will conduct high visibility patrols on freeways and byways looking for unsafe behavior that endangers travelers

During the 2022 Labor Day holiday travel season, police officers investigated 472 accidents that killed 9 people and injured 243. The nationwide total of fatal accidents was 15. Police officers also arrested 324 people who were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“Labor Day weekend is an excellent time for families and friends to get together and celebrate the end of summer,” said Colonel Christopher Wright, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety. “It’s also an opportunity for motorists to continue to ensure safety is the top priority when driving to and from their destinations.”

In order to minimize the number of traffic accidents, injuries and fatalities during the 78-hour holiday trip, which begins on Friday 1 September at 18:00 and ends on Monday 4 September at 23:59 hold, GSP and MCCD focus on disabled drivers, speeders, distracted drivers and seat belt violations.

Here are some travel tips to keep you and your loved ones safe this weekend:

1. Observe the posted speed limit. Exceeding the speed limit will reduce the available time you need to avoid a traffic accident.
2. Obey all traffic rules and signals.For your safety, there are traffic rules and signals. Failure to do so could result in an accident in which you or others could be seriously injured or killed.
3. Don’t drive impaired . Designate a sober driver, hail a cab, rideshare service, friend or family member to help get you home safely.
4. Make sure everyone in the vehicle wears a seat belt.Also, install child seats properly. Georgia law requires children under the age of eight to ride in either a car seat or booster seat that is appropriate for their age, weight, and height.
5. Show general courtesy to other motorists and pedestrians on the road. Be aware of your fellow road users, especially the most vulnerable pedestrians and cyclists.
6. Don’t drive while distracted.Refrain from any activity that might take your mind off the road, such as B. writing SMS while driving. Effective July 1, 2018, the Hands-Free Georgia Act prohibits all drivers from using cell phones while driving. For the full law, visit the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety website at www.gahighwaysafety.org.

Additional travel/safety tips:

1. Be rested and alert.
2. Be careful in work areas.Numerous construction projects are underway on the motorways and roads.
3. Do not follow other vehicles too closely.
4. Prepare your vehicle for long-distance travel.Check your wipers and fluids and maintain your radiator and cooling system. With simple maintenance, many of the problems that leave drivers stranded on the roadside can be avoided.
5. To plan.Before driving, find out the name and number of your exit and pay attention to the signs as you approach the exit. Drivers who unexpectedly change lanes when exiting often cause accidents.
6. Use a map or GPS.Plan your route. Knowing the road is essential for safe driving and will help you avoid panicking for directions.
7. Go early and avoid risks.Depart early and factor delays into your itinerary. Know your limits; Do not drive when you are tired, upset or physically ill.
8. Don’t cut in front of big trucks.Trucks are heavy and take longer to come to a complete stop. Therefore, avoid passing quickly in front of them.
9. Watch out for truck blind spots.If you share the road with large trucks, be aware of their blind spots. If you can’t see the truck driver in the mirror, the truck driver can’t see you.

The Department of Public Safety will update the bank holiday traffic count throughout the bank holiday weekend on X, aka Twitter.

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