GSP urges safety during Labor Day weekend

(Atlanta) – The Georgia State Patrol is reminding motorists to practice safe driving habits as they travel throughout the state this Labor Day weekend.

“Troopers and Motor Carrier Officers will be on patrol in full force for the upcoming 78-hour Labor Day holiday travel period this weekend,” said Colonel Mark W. McDonough, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety. “They will focus their attention on speeders, unrestrained occupants, as well as distracted and impaired drivers,” he added. The patrols will take place from 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30, to 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 2.

Last year, troopers investigated 490 crashes, which resulted in 296 injuries. Eight of those were fatal crashes, killing eight people. In addition to crash investigations, troopers and motor carrier officers wrote 9,008 citations; 12,180 warnings; and arrested 332 motorists for driving under the influence.

The Georgia Department of Transportation says drivers should expect higher than normal holiday traffic volumes this year due to Hurricane Dorian which is expected to bring heavy rain and flooding to south and central Georgia, as well as a potential influx of evacuees from Florida.