During the extended Independence Day holiday weekend, at least eight people lost their lives on Georgia’s highways. Law enforcement agencies have looked into deadly collisions in Lincoln, Jones, Spalding, Jeff Davis, Baker, Stewart, Burke, and Bryan counties, according to the Georgia Department of Public Safety.
Officially, the 78-hour holiday travel period started at 6 p.m. on July 3 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 6.
The holiday travel window was extended by one day last year. During the 102-hour holiday travel period, 18 persons lost their lives in traffic-related incidents.
Record number of travelers on the road
A record 61.6 million people are driving on Independence Day, up 2.2% from the previous year and the largest number ever recorded, according to AAA.
To combat risky driving practices, local law enforcement agencies are collaborating with state troopers and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement agents. The goal of Operation Zero Tolerance is driving while intoxicated. Aggressive and risky driving, such as excessive speeding and inattentive driving, is the emphasis of the 100 Days of Summer H.E.A.T. campaign.
Georgia Department of Public Safety Commissioner Colonel William W. Hitchens III said, “We encourage everyone to observe traffic laws, drive sober, avoid distractions, wear seatbelts, and ensure children are properly restrained.”
State troopers and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers will continue to patrol Georgia’s interstates, highways, and local roadways in full force during the holiday season, according to Hitchens.
