Update: At 6 p.m. on Memorial Day, with six hours left in the travel window, the Georgia Department of Public Safety reported 14 fatalities on Georgia roads during the 2023 Memorial Day travel window. The three other fatalities were processed by GSP Post 24, Newnan, Post 4, Villa Rica and Post 29, Paulding.
The Memorial Day weekend road death toll is 14 as of 6am. GSP Post 24 – Newnan (1), GSP Post 4 – Villa Rica, GSP Post 29 – Paulding (1) #gatrooper #gamccd #gacpd
— Georgia Department of Public Safety (@ga_dps) May 29, 2023
Update: As of 6 p.m. Sunday, May 28, the Georgia Department of Public Safety reported 11 fatalities on Georgia roads at this time during the 2023 Memorial Day travel period. A second death was reported in Gwinnett County and Georgia State Patrol Post 46 in Monroe was working on a death Sunday. Post 46 covers the Newton, Walton and Rockdale counties areas.
In 2022, 10 fatalities were reported on roads in Georgia during the entire 78-hour Memorial Day journey.
According to GDPS information officer Courtney Floyd, the death handled by Post 46 on Sunday occurred on State Route 162 in Newton County. Floyd said the driver of a Nissan struck a Nissan, causing both vehicles to veer off the lane. The Honda overturned and the driver was partially ejected. The driver, identified as Angelina Brittany Fuller of Macon, Georgia, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Nissan was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. (Please note that this recording has been updated to reflect that the driver of the rear Nissan pulled the Honda over, causing both vehicles to go off the lane.)
The Memorial Day weekend road death toll is 10 as of 6 a.m. GSP Post 46 – Monroe (1), Gwinnett PD (1), Richmond Country SO (1). #gatrooper #gamccd #gacpd
— Georgia Department of Public Safety (@ga_dps) May 28, 2023
Update: As of midnight Saturday, May 27, the Georgia Department of Public Safety reported seven fatalities on Georgia roads so far during the 2023 Memorial Day travel season. The first death was processed by the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office on Friday night. No deaths have been reported in Walton County at this time.
Memorial Day weekend road death toll is 7 as of 12 p.m. GSP Post 14 – Colquitt (1), Wilcox SO (1), Cherokee SO (1). #gatrooper #gamccd #gacpd
— Georgia Department of Public Safety (@ga_dps) May 28, 2023
(ATLANTA) — The Memorial Day holiday weekend heralds the start of the busy summer travel season across Georgia and the country. As motorists begin to make travel arrangements, the Georgia State Patrol (GSP) reminds drivers to plan their trips carefully and remember to prioritize safety.
This year’s holiday travel season begins on Friday, May 26 at 6:00 p.m. and ends on Monday, May 29 at 11:59 p.m. Police officers will conduct high-visibility patrols and be on the lookout for disabled drivers and other traffic violations that could potentially cause a crash.
“We want to make sure motorists are as safe as possible during this Memorial Day weekend travel season,” said Colonel Chris Wright, commissioner for the Georgia Department of Public Safety. “We encourage motorists to obey posted speed limits, avoid driving while distracted or intoxicated, and ensure that seat belt and child restraint use is a priority.”
During the 2022 Memorial Day holiday, police officers issued more than 10,200 subpoenas, made more than 330 drink driving arrests and investigated nearly 400 accidents that resulted in over 240 injuries and 10 deaths.
The highest number of road deaths over a Memorial Day holiday weekend occurred in 1969, when 27 people died in traffic accidents. 1969 was also the first year that the Department of Public Safety (DPS) began keeping statistics on Memorial Day holidays.
DPS will update the holiday traffic count on its website at http://dps.georgia.gov and on all social media platforms throughout the holiday weekend.
DPS wants everyone to arrive safely at their destination. Here are some travel tips to keep you and your loved ones safe this weekend.
- Observe the posted speed limit. Exceeding the speed limit will reduce the time it takes you to avoid a traffic accident.
- 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.
- Don’t drive impaired. Designate a sober driver, hail a cab, rideshare service, friend or family member to get you home safely.
- 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 sit in either a car seat or booster seat that is appropriate for their age, weight, and height.
- Show general courtesy to other motorists and pedestrians on the road. Watch out for your fellow passengers, especially the most vulnerable pedestrians and cyclists. Stop at all stop signs, traffic lights and crosswalks and check your blind spots.
- Watch out for big trucks and buses. Leave extra space in front of these large vehicles when merging, expect wide turns, keep a safe distance, signal clearly when merging or overtaking, and be patient.
- Don’t drive while distracted. Refrain from any activity that might take your mind off the road, such as B. writing SMS while driving. On July 1, 2018, the Hands-Free Georgia Act went into effect. It bans all motorists 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.
In addition to safe driving practices, make sure your vehicle is prepared for the vacation trip:
- Are your lights shining bright? Make sure all lights are working properly, including high and low beams, turn signals, turn signals, brake lights, and license plate lights.
- Wipe away your troubles. 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. Driving in a car can require a lot of washer fluid 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 with age. So don’t take any risks. Many auto parts stores or repair shops will test your battery for free.
- Pump up the pressure. Too little tire pressure leads to unsafe driving and braking behavior. Check the pressure of all your tires once a month and before every ride.
- Be prepared. In case you do run into trouble, have a few basic items ready including a charger for your cell phone, a flashlight, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, warning lights or flares, jumper cables and the right clothing, including a hat and gloves.