To update:
As of 6 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 26, the number of fatalities on Georgia roads during the Thanksgiving holiday travel season had already surpassed the 2022 toll. In 2023, with 18 hours left of the Thanksgiving holiday journey, 21 people had already died on Georgia roads. Last year, 18 people died on Georgia roads at the end of the travel period. The 102-hour travel period ends on Sunday, November 26th at 11:59 p.m.
(ATLANTA, GA) – The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) and Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD) will be out in full force advising motorists to drive safely and be patient this Thanksgiving holiday. The 102-hour holiday travel period begins on Wednesday, November 22nd at 6:00 p.m. and ends on Sunday, November 26th at 11:59 p.m.
The day before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year, often resulting in heavy traffic on Georgia roads. Commissioner Hitchens is asking motorists to do a few things during their vacation trips to ensure they get to their destination safely. “Conduct a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle, obey the posted speed limit, wear your seat belt, do not drive while impaired or distracted, and please be patient while you travel.”
AAA predicts 55.4 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home this Thanksgiving, a 2.3% increase from 2022. This is the third-highest Thanksgiving forecast since AAA started tracking in 2000 Holiday travel has started. Most travelers will drive to their destinations at 49.13 Million people are expected to travel by car, up 1.7% from 2022.
“The Georgia Department of Public Safety will increase its focus on highway and interstate enforcement this Thanksgiving season to prevent unsafe driving behavior and reduce accidents. Administrative tasks will be limited during this time to provide more staff for this effort. Remember that Thanksgiving is meant to be spent with family and friends, and you can only do that if you arrive safely. However, if you experience an emergency during your trip and require immediate assistance, please dial *GSP (*477),” Colonel Hitchens added.
During the 2022 Thanksgiving holiday, troopers investigated 749 crashes statewide that resulted in 401 injuries and 18 fatalities. In addition to the accident investigation, 390 people were arrested for driving under the influence. Soldiers and officers issued 11,776 citations and 12,976 warnings.
Here are some travel tips to keep you and your loved ones safe this weekend:
- Observe the posted speed limit. If you exceed the speed limit, you shorten the time it takes you to avoid a traffic accident.
- Obey all traffic rules and signals. There are traffic rules and signals for your safety. Failure to do so could result in accidents that could result in serious injury or death to you or others.
- Do not drive impaired. Designate a sober driver, call a taxi, rideshare service, friend or family member to get you home safely.
- Make sure everyone in the vehicle is wearing a seatbelt. Also, install child seats properly. Georgia law requires children under eight to sit in either a car seat or booster seat that is appropriate for their age, weight and height.
- Show common courtesy to other drivers and pedestrians on the road. Pay attention to your fellow passengers, especially pedestrians and cyclists who are most at risk. Stop at all stop signs, traffic lights and crosswalks and check your blind spots.
- Watch out for large trucks and buses. When merging in front of these large vehicles, leave extra space, expect wide curves, maintain a safe distance, signal clearly when merging or overtaking, and be patient.
- Don’t drive while distracted. Refrain from any activity that could distract you from the road, such as: B. writing text messages while driving. On July 1, 2018, the Hands-Free Georgia Act went into effect. It prohibits all drivers from using cell phones while driving. A link to the full law can be found on the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety website at www.gahighwaysafety.org.
During the holidays, an updated traffic fatality count will be posted on the Department of Public Security’s Twitter page: http://www.twitter.com/ga_dps.
In addition to safe driving practices, ensure your vehicle is prepared for vacation travel:
- Are your lights shining brightly? Make sure all lights are working properly, including high and low beams, turn signals, direction indicators, brake lights and license plate lights.
- Wipe away your problems. Now is a good time to replace your wiper blades. While you wait, many auto parts stores will install the software for free.
- windshield Laundry detergent. When driving, a lot of washer fluid may be required to keep the windshield clear. Keep a gallon in the trunk just in case!
- Keep the engine in top condition. Check the radiator and heater hoses for cracks and leaks. In general, the antifreeze mixture should be flushed at least every two years.
- Check the battery. All batteries lose performance as they age. So don’t take any risks. Many auto parts stores or repair shops will check your battery for free.
- Pump up the pressure. Tire pressure that is too low leads to unsafe driving and braking behavior. Check the pressure of all your tires once a month and before every trip.
- Be prepared. HHave a few basic items on hand in case you do have trouble, including a cell phone charger, a flashlight, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, warning lights or flares, jumper cables, and proper clothing
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