Three State Effort Underway for Safe Travel

(ATLANTA) - The Georgia State Patrol is participating with the state highway patrols in North and South Carolina to encourage motorists traveling this week to obey the posted speed limits, don't drink and drive and to make occupant protection apriority. The three-state effort was announced today at news conferences throughout South Carolina.

     "Thanksgiving is traditionally the heaviest traveled holiday period of the year," Colonel George Ellis, GSP Commander, said. "Through concentrated patrols and partnering with our neighboring states, our goal is to keep the roads safe during the holiday period." Colonel Ellis said troopers in all three states will be conducting saturation patrols on Wednesday and Sunday of this week. "These are the heaviest travel days," he said.

     Last year, 20 people died on Georgia roads during the 102-hour Thanksgiving holiday period. "The estimates for this year are also for 20 deaths, as well as 3,470 traffic collisions and 934 injuries," Colonel Ellis said.

     "By partnering with neighboring states, we are sending the message that law enforcement officers are working as a team throughout the Southeast to keep traffic deaths down during this holiday period," he said.

     The Georgia State Patrol reminds motorists who will be traveling to plan their trips carefully and allow plenty of time to reach your destination. "Anticipate delays and get plenty of rest," Colonel Ellis said.

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