High Visibility Patrols during 2019 Holiday Travel Periods

The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) and the Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD) will be on high visibility patrols on interstates and state roads during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday travel periods. State troopers and MCCD officers encourage motorists to exercise safe driving habits in an effort to reduce the number of crashes on Georgia roadways. The Christmas travel period is 54-hours long, from 6pm Tuesday, Dec. 24, until 11:59pm on Thursday, Dec. 26. The 30-hour New Year’s holiday period will begin at 6pm on Tuesday, Dec. 31, and will end at 11:59pm on Wednesday, Jan. 1.  Last year, the 2018 Christmas holiday travel period was 126-hours long. GSP investigated 700 crashes that resulted in 333 injuries and 14 fatalities. Troopers and officers issued a total of 9,978 citations and 15,888 warnings, with 285 people arrested for driving impaired. During the 2018 New Year’s holiday travel period, which was 102-hours long, GSP worked 550 wrecks that resulted in 223 injuries and seven fatalities. In addition, troopers and officers issued 6,971 citations, 11,339 warnings, and arrested 368 people for driving under the influence. With so many motorists on the roads, troopers and officers caution drivers to stay focused and avoid becoming a distracted driver. It is also important to plan for a sober designated driver if alcohol consumption will be part of your holiday celebrations.