At least 14 people were killed on Georgia’s roads and interstates over this year’s Christmas travel period, state officials said.
The Georgia State Patrol reported fatal crashes in Fulton, Cobb and Cherokee counties over the 78-hour holiday travel period, which began at 6 p.m. Friday and ended Tuesday at 11:59 p.m.
Deadly wrecks were also reported this weekend in Paulding County, Newnan, Grovetown, Waycross, Hinesville, Dublin, and Albany.
While most of the fatal crashes happened on main roads and highways, a Louisiana man riding an ATV was killed near Kennesaw on Saturday when he lost control of the vehicle on an embankment and it landed on top of him, authorities said.
According to Cobb police, 66-year old Lionel Berthelot was operating the Honda four-wheeler in the woods along Bent Creek Drive just after 3 p.m. when both he and the vehicle fell down the embankment. Berthelot was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Florida woman was also killed in Cherokee County over the weekend when the driver of a Toyota pickup truck crossed the center line and hit her Lexus head on, deputies said. Vickie Walker, 71, of Panama City Beach, was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital and later died. The 17-year-old driver of the Toyota suffered minor injuries, according to the sheriff’s office.
Crashes killed 13 people in Georgia during last year’s Christmas travel period, which was down from 16 fatalities in 2021, according to the Department of Public Safety.
Now, troopers and other law enforcement agencies are focused on keeping travelers safe during next weekend’s celebrations ringing in the new year.
The New Year’s holiday travel period, which is also 78 hours long, begins at 6 p.m. on Friday and runs through Jan. 2 at 11:59 p.m.
Authorities stepped up patrols across the state over the back-to-back holiday travel weekends and are encouraging drivers not to drink before getting behind the wheel.
“This time of year, there is an increase in social gatherings with our friends, loved ones and work families where there is a greater likelihood of alcohol being consumed,” said DPS Commissioner Col. Billy Hitchens. “Always have a plan to have a sober driver to help make our roads safer for everyone.”
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