The Georgia State Patrol is preparing for the busiest July 4th travel period ever, with officers out in full force to keep roads safe during the 78-hour holiday weekend.

🚨 Why It Matters: Record numbers of drivers will hit Georgia roads this holiday weekend, increasing accident risks for everyone. Last year’s holiday period saw 18 traffic deaths and 472 DUI arrests across the state.

🚗 By The Numbers: AAA predicts 61.6 million Americans will travel by car this Independence Day—the highest volume ever recorded and a 2.2% increase from last year.

🍺 Enforcement Plans: State troopers will participate in Operation Zero Tolerance to combat drunk driving and the 100 Days of Summer H.E.A.T. initiative targeting aggressive driving behaviors.

“We urge everyone to follow traffic laws, drive sober, avoid distractions, wear seatbelts, and make sure children are properly restrained,” said Colonel William W. Hitchens III, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety.

⏰ Best Times to Travel: Avoid the roads during peak congestion periods:

  • July 3: Avoid 2-6 p.m., travel before noon
  • July 4: Avoid 12-7 p.m., travel before noon
  • July 5: Avoid 11 AM-5 p.m., travel before 11 a.m.
  • July 6: Avoid 12-6 p.m., travel before 11 a.m.

How to Read and Understand The News

When reading news, remember:

  • Truth doesn’t change because we dislike it
  • Facts remain facts even when they make us uncomfortable
  • Events happen whether we accept them or not
  • Good reporting often challenges us
  • The news isn’t choosing a position — it is relaying what official, verified sources have said.
  • Blaming the press for bad news is like blaming a thermometer for a fever.

Before dismissing news that bothers you, ask:

  1. What evidence supports this story?
  2. Am I reacting to facts or feelings?
  3. What would change my mind?
  4. Am I “shooting the messenger” because I don’t like what is happening?

Smart news consumers seek truth, not just comfort.

The Georgia State Patrol is preparing for the busiest July 4th travel period ever, with officers out in full force to keep roads safe during the 78-hour holiday weekend.
B.T. Clark
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B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.