Georgia State Patrol urges caution, preparation for travelers during Memorial Day weekend

The Georgia State Patrol is getting ready for the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

According to a press release from the Georgia Department of Public Safety, state troopers will be on full patrols this weekend, concentrating on impaired drivers and seat belt violations. 

Last year, the Georgia State Patrol investigated 452 crashes over the Memorial Day weekend, which resulted in 274 injuries and six people losing their lives, the release said. Troopers also arrested 255 people for driving under the influence and issued upwards of 10,000 citations.

This year, with bad weather looming as another potential risk factor, the troopers want to make sure people are even more prepared.“Travel with caution and put safety first this weekend,” Colonel Mark W. McDonough, commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, said. “Traffic will be heavier than usual as graduation ceremonies, special holiday events, and vacation travelers will add to the regular weekend traffic patterns. Also, be prepared should rain make driving conditions hazardous.”

As always, make sure that everyone in your vehicle is buckled up and that children are properly restrained. Don’t text and drive, obey the posted speed limit, and do not drive impaired. If you know that you will be consuming alcoholic beverages, plan ahead to have a designated driver.

During the Memorial Day travel period, the Georgia State Patrol will again participate in the national mobilization of the ‘Click It, or Ticket’ program.

State troopers will work 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.

The holiday traffic fatality count will be updated throughout the travel period on the Department of Public Safety’s Twitter account.