State Troopers will be in Full Force for Busiest Travel Day of the Year

The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) and the Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD) will be out in full force and encourage motorists to drive safely and have patience this Thanksgiving holiday. The 102-hour holiday travel period begins at 6pm Wednesday, November 23, and ends at 11:59pm Sunday, November 27.  “The day before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year.  Traffic will significantly increase, causing congestion and delays,” said Colonel Christopher Wright, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety. “Travelers should prepare for the inevitable to avoid the stress of sitting in traffic.”  AAA predicts 54.6 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home this Thanksgiving, a 1.5% increase over 2021. Most travelers will drive to their destinations, with nearly 49 million people expected to travel by car.  “Troopers and Officers will be highly visible and focused on the key factors that cause crashes including impaired driving, speeding, distracted and unsafe driving, as well as seatbelt violations. High-visibility patrols on the interstates and secondary roads throughout the state will help reduce traffic crashes and deter unsafe driving behaviors, keeping Georgia’s roadways safe for our residents and guests,” added Colonel Wright.  During the 2021 Thanksgiving holiday period, Troopers investigated 589 crashes, resulting in 267 injuries and 20 fatalities statewide. In addition to the crash investigations, 306 people were arrested for driving under the influence. Troopers and Officers issued 11,252 citations and 12,555 warnings.