Georgia State Patrol Issues Weekend Travel Safety Advisory
(ATLANTA)—The Georgia State Patrol is issuing a travel safety advisory for this weekend in Georgia as traffic is expected to be heavy throughout the state. Colonel Bill Hitchens, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety, said today that traffic associated with the Georgia-Florida football game in Jacksonville, combined with traffic for activities at Atlanta Motor Speedway throughout the weekend, Friday night high school football games, and numerous fall festivals will make for a weekend similar to what Georgia experiences during a holiday weekend.
“The Georgia State Patrol reminds motorists to plan carefully for travel this weekend by making sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled up,” Colonel Hitchens said. “If you will be transporting children, take the time to make sure they are properly restrained and if a child safety seat is required, make sure the seat is properly installed in your vehicle.” The commissioner also reminds motorists to plan for a designated driver if alcohol will be consumed. “Plan ahead and designate a driver who will not be drinking,” he said.
State Troopers across Georgia will be keeping close watch for impaired drivers during their patrols this weekend. “While we want everyone to have a good time and enjoy the various activities taking place this time of year, we also want everyone to be safe while you travel throughout Georgia.”
Colonel Hitchens said troopers will also be on hand to assist with traffic around Atlanta Motor Speedway this weekend. He said recent revisions of the traffic plan have made travel to and from the speedway easier and encouraged drivers to review the travel plan prior to leaving home. “Traffic will still be heavy getting to the speedway, so you should leave early,” he said. “Also be prepared to leave the speedway via the same route on which you arrived.” Colonel Hitchens noted that the time it takes to completely clear the parking lots at the speedway after the Sunday race has been reduced from 3 hours, 40 minutes to 1 hour, 50 minutes. “This is thanks to the great partnership of the Georgia State Patrol, the Georgia Department of Transportation, Hampton Police, Locust Grove Police, Henry County Police and Sheriff’s Departments, and Atlanta Motor Speedway,” he noted. You can check the traffic plan at http://atlantamotorspeedway.com or from a link at the Georgia Department of Public Safety’s website http://dps.georgia.gov . As you travel this weekend, also remember you can access current traffic travel times and conditions from the Department of Transportation at http://www.511ga.org or by calling 5-1-1 from your cell phone.
The Commissioner reminds everyone who will be traveling this weekend to plan carefully, obey the posted speed limit, don’t drive if you have been consuming alcohol, and make sure everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seat belt and children are properly restrained. “Take special care when traveling around tractor trailers also,” he said. “Remember trucks need more space to stop, so don’t cut them off in traffic. Careful planning and patience make for safer and more efficient travel for everyone.”
The Georgia State Patrol reminds motorists to report suspected impaired drivers by calling Star G-S-P (*477) on your cell phones. You will be connected to the nearest Georgia State Patrol post.
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