Yearly reminder: Drive safe during Memorial Day Weekend

The Gist: Georgia public safety officials are reminding Georgia residents once again to stay safe on the roads during Memorial Day weekend and not to become a statistic during what can be a dangerous weekend on Georgia roads.

The holiday travel period: When you think of Memorial Day, you may think of just the holiday itself or you may think of the three day weekend. For the Georgia State Patrol though, the travel period is different. This year’s Memorial Day holiday travel period will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 27, and end Monday, May 30, at midnight.  The travel period is 78 hours long.

Last Year: Last year, Troopers and local law enforcement investigated 17 fatal traffic crashes resulting in 20 deaths across Georgia during the holiday travel period.

During the 2021 Memorial Day holiday period, the Georgia State Patrol investigated 425 traffic crashes that resulted in 274 injuries and 11 traffic deaths. In addition to the traffic crash investigations, State Troopers and Motor Carrier Officers arrested more than 350 people for driving under the influence, while issuing over 11,850 citations, and over 11,480 warnings.

Higher Visibility: The Georgia State Patrol will be out in full force to keep motorists safe during the holiday weekend. “During this Memorial Day holiday period, state Troopers and Officers will be on high-visibility patrols keeping an eye out for impaired drivers and other traffic violations that could potentially cause a crash,” said Colonel Chris C. Wright, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety. “We want everyone to enjoy this time with family and friends, but please practice safe driving behavior to and from your destination,” Colonel Wright added.

How to drive safe: State officials are reminding drivers to observe the following common safety measures on the roads:

• Make sure every occupant in your vehicle is buckled and children under 8 years of age are properly restrained in the appropriate child safety seat.
• Remember, Georgia is a “hands-free” state. Put down your phones and pay attention to the road.
• Obey the posted speed limit.
• Avoid being an impaired driver by planning a designated driver or use a ride share or taxi during your weekend festivities.

Click it or Ticket: During the Memorial Day travel period, the Georgia State Patrol will also be participating in the national mobilization of the ‘Click It, or Ticket’ program. State troopers will be working alongside sheriffs’ deputies and police officers to enforce Georgia’s seat belt laws and to educate the public on the importance of wearing seat belts while traveling in motor vehicles. This program is coordinated in Georgia by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.