ATLANTA – The Georgia State Patrol and Motor Carrier Compliance Division encourage everyone to celebrate the Independence Day holiday responsibly.  This year, the holiday travel period is 102 hours long.  It will begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3, and end at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 7. This year marks the one year anniversary of the Georgia Hands-Free Law which became effective July 1, 2018.

Last year, the holiday period was only 30 hours long. During the holiday period, State troopers investigated 150 traffic crashes that resulted in 90 injuries, and two fatalities. Additionally, troopers issued 6,367 citations (957 seat belts and 150 child restraints), 8,465 warnings, and made 123 DUI arrests.

“With a record number of travelers hitting the roadways this holiday, we want everyone to pack a load of patience for traffic delays and to put safety first by following the posted speed limit, not driving while impaired, making sure all occupants are restrained, and keeping your hands off of your cell phones,” said Colonel Mark W. McDonough, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety.  State troopers and officers will be on high visibility patrols during the 102-hour holiday period in an effort to keep the number of traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities at a minimum, he added.

This holiday period, the Georgia State Patrol is participating in the Operation Zero Tolerance campaign, a nationwide mobilization against impaired driving, as well as the 100 Days of Summer H.E.A.T. (Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic) campaign. Troopers will be working alongside sheriff’s deputies and police officers to apprehend impaired drivers and crack down on aggressive speeders and distracted drivers.

“Crashes caused by impaired drivers can be prevented.  Drivers must take the initiative to plan ahead for their holiday activities by designating a sober driver and not driving impaired,” said Colonel McDonough. “State Troopers and Officers will not hesitate to arrest an impaired or aggressive driver,” he added.

According to AAA, the worst day to travel on the roadways in Atlanta is Friday, July 5, and the worst time for travel is between 5 – 7 p.m.

The holiday traffic count will be updated throughout the holiday period on the Georgia Department of Public Safety Twitter page: https://twitter.com/ga_dps.

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