DPS Encourages Motorists to Drive Responsibly this Independence Day Holiday Weekend

ATLANTA, GA – The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE), formerly the Motor Carrier Compliance Division, are urging motorists to drive safely and responsibly during the upcoming 78-hour Independence Day holiday travel period. The holiday period begins Thursday, July 3 at 6 p.m. and ends Sunday, July 6 at 11:59 p.m.

Last year’s 102-hour holiday period resulted in 15,942 citations, 18,529 warnings, and 472 DUI arrests by state troopers and commercial vehicle officers. Troopers investigated 537 traffic crashes, which led to 312 injuries and 12 fatalities, with local law enforcement agencies investigating an additional six fatalities.

“We urge everyone to follow traffic laws, drive sober, avoid distractions, wear seatbelts, and make sure children are properly restrained,” said Colonel William W. Hitchens III, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety. “State Troopers and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers will be out in full force on Georgia’s interstates, highways, and local roads throughout the holiday period.”

According to AAA, a record 61.6 million people are expected to travel by car this Independence Day—an increase of 2.2% from last year, and the highest volume on record.

Throughout the holiday period, State Troopers and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers will participate in the national Operation Zero Tolerance campaign to combat impaired driving, as well as the 100 Days of Summer H.E.A.T. initiative focused on enforcing laws against aggressive and dangerous driving behaviors. Troopers will work in coordination with sheriff’s offices and local police departments to identify and arrest impaired drivers while also targeting excessive speeding and distracted driving.

Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car

 Source: INRIX

Georgia’s holiday traffic count will be updated throughout the holiday period on the Department of Public Safety’s social media platforms: 

X: https://x.com/ga_dps
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gadepartmentofpublicsafety 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ga_dps/.