GEORGIA, — With the Labor Day holiday drawing close, many in the Peach State plan to hit the road to celebrate the unofficial end of summer. Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) is warning drivers that it's conducting high-visibility patrols on interstates and secondary roads, looking for unsafe driving behaviors that put travelers at risk.
Troopers with the Georgia State Patrol (GSP) and officers with the Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD) will conduct this patrol.
During the 2023 Labor Day holiday travel period, GSP said troopers investigated 552 crashes, resulting in 15 fatality crashes, nine fatalities, and 321 injuries, with 26 total fatalities statewide. Troopers also made 379 arrests for those driving under the influence.
“As summer comes to an unofficial close with the upcoming Labor Day Travel period, we know that many families and friends will be traveling on Georgia roadways. AAA expects overall travel to increase by 9% compared to last year, and TSA projects this to be the busiest Labor Day Travel Period on record,” said Colonel William W. Hitchens, III, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety.
The 78-hour holiday travel period begins Friday, Aug. 30, at 6 p.m. and ends Monday, Sept. 2, at 11:59 p.m. GSP and MCCD will focus on seatbelt violations, speeding violations, distracted drivers, those driving under the influence, and other dangerous driving behaviors that often lead to crashes.
“We urge all drivers to prioritize safety for themselves, their passengers, and the motoring public. This means buckling up, ensuring that all children are properly restrained, minimizing distractions, staying focused on the roadway, and making responsible decisions. We want everyone to arrive safely at their destinations and we ask that all drivers do their part to keep our roadways safe. If you encounter an issue while traveling through Georgia, please don’t hesitate to call *GSP,” said Hitchens.
Worst and best times to travel by car according to DPS
Travelers are encouraged to plan their trips to avoid peak traffic times. According to DPS, the worst times to depart and return are as follows:
Departing:
- Friday, Aug. 30: Worst time: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. | Best time: Before Noon, After 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 31: Worst time: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. | Best time: After Noon
Returning:
- Sunday, Sept. 1: Worst time: 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Best time: Before Noon
- Monday, Sept. 2: Worst time: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Best time: Before 10 a.m.
