Five people were killed in separate Georgia crashes during the two-day Christmas holiday, according to the Georgia Department of Public Safety.
With Christmas falling on Wednesday, the department began tracking crashes Tuesday at 6 p.m. through Thursday at 11:59 p.m. for a 54-hour holiday period. In 2023, the holiday period determined by the DPS was 78 hours because Christmas landed on Tuesday. Fourteen people died in crashes during that time.
This year, a head-on crash in Douglas County killed two people early on Christmas morning, the Georgia State Patrol said.
At 3:40 a.m., trooper were called to a two-car crash on Chapel Hill Road. Investigators believe a white 2021 Kia Forte was traveling south when the driver crossed into the northbound lanes and hit a yellow 2007 Ford Mustang.
The drivers, who were not wearing seat belts, both died at the scene, GSP said. Karen Cabral, 55, was driving the Kia and Kyle Buck, 35, was driving the Ford, investigators said.
On Thursday night, investigators believe the driver of a Toyota Tacoma was fleeing from Polk County deputies and crashed in Paulding, the state patrol said.
The driver, who was not identified, ran off Braswell Mountain Road near Brushy Mountain Road, drove down an embankment and overturned, investigators said. The driver was taken to Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center but did not survive.
The Fayetteville Police Department and troopers from the post in Thomasville also investigated deadly crashes, according to the state patrol.
Now, law enforcement agencies will focus on the New Year’s holiday, according to Col. Billy Hitchens, commissioner of the Department of Public Safety.
“It is still the primary focus and commitment of state troopers and officers to focus on motorists who break state traffic laws and exercise bad driving habits that could potentially cause serious injuries or fatal crashes,” Hitchens said. “We encourage all motorists to make safety their top priority when traveling on Georgia’s roadways.”
If alcohol is part of the celebration, plan ahead to have a designated driver or use a rideshare service to travel safely, law enforcement officers advise.
“This is a festive time of the year,” Hitchens said. “We want everyone to drive sober, stay focused, obey the laws and enjoy this holiday season with family and friends. Always have a plan to have a sober driver to help make our roads safer for everyone. If you are caught driving impaired, you will be arrested.”
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