If you’re traveling today, you’re not alone. Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer and is one of the heaviest traveled holidays of the year.
The 78-hour holiday period began at 6 p.m. Friday, September 2. As of late Sunday afternoon, seven people have died on Georgia’s roads including a Mt. Airy woman who was killed Sunday in a rollover wreck on GA 365 in Habersham County.
The Georgia State Patrol reports the other fatalities happened in Dalton, Floyd County, Atlanta, Columbus and Brunswick.
RELATED: Mother killed, 9-year old daughter injured in wreck in Mt. Airy
State and local law enforcement will be out in force today working to prevent more deaths and injuries on Georgia’s roads.
“Troopers take saving lives seriously, and will be out on full patrols actively looking for unsafe and impaired drivers,” says Colonel Mark McDonough, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety. “Plan your trips carefully to allow ample time to reach your destination, make sure everyone is wearing a seat belt, don’t drive distracted, and obey the posted speed limit,” he adds.
…and don’t drink and drive!
Don’t be in a hurry to get home. Drive safely, buckle up and keep your eyes on the road. #HeadsUpGeorgia pic.twitter.com/KyzKp6mGLR
— GA Highway Safety (@gohsgeorgia) September 5, 2016
State Troopers are working alongside sheriff’s deputies and police officers to apprehend impaired drivers as part of Operation Zero Tolerance. “Driving under the influence is unacceptable. If consuming alcohol is in your plans, designate a sober driver before you leave home. If you don’t have a designated driver, call a taxi, a friend, or family member to help you get home safely,” says McDonough.
Last year during a similar travel period, troopers investigated 453 traffic crashes over the Labor Day weekend that resulted in 293 injuries, and nine traffic fatalities. In addition to the traffic crash investigations, troopers arrested 316 people for driving under the influence while issuing 7,359 citations and 12,143 warnings.
The Labor Day holiday travel period officially ends at midnight.
(PHOTO/GA Dept. of Public Safety)
