In an effort to reduce the number of crashes on Georgia roadways, Georgia State Patrol (GSP) Troopers and Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD) Officers will be on high visibility patrols on interstates and state roads during the Christmas travel period, which is 78-hours long, lasting from 6:00 P.M. on Thursday, December 23, until 11:59 P.M. on Sunday, December 26.
“As more people travel the roadways to visit family and friends, Troopers and Officers will continue to focus on motorists who break state traffic laws and exercise bad driving habits that could potentially cause serious injuries or fatal crashes,” said Colonel Chris C. Wright, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety.
Last year, the 2020 Christmas holiday travel period resulted in 21 fatalities from 19 crashes. The GSP investigated 294 crashes that resulted in 143 injuries. Troopers and officers issued over 7,500 citations and 9,900 warnings, with more than 180 people being arrested for driving impaired.
“The most important thing is to stay focused on where you are going and the drivers around you so that crashes do not ruin your holiday festivities,” said Captain Kelly Collins of the Sandersville Police Department. “If you plan to include alcohol consumption in your holiday celebrations, make sure to plan for a sober designated driver by contacting a rideshare, a friend, or family member to help you get safely home. Make these decisions before you get into the holiday spirit.”
Drunk driving remains a problem both in Georgia and nationwide. Alcohol involved crashes increased nine percent in 2020 from 2019.
The Sandersville Police Department will also increase enforcement by taking part in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.
“All drunk driving deaths are senseless because they are all preventable,” said Capt. Collins. “Sandersville Police wishes everyone would make the smart and unselfish decision to not drive after drinking, but our officers are on the road and ready to take to jail those drivers who make the decision to drive when they are over the limit.”
