The Georgia State Patrol and metro Atlanta police agencies were hopeful that fewer travelers this year because of the coronavirus would mean a drop in fatal crashes over the Thanksgiving weekend.
But by Friday morning, 11 people had died on Georgia roads since Wednesday night, nearly reaching last year’s total for the long weekend. In 2019, 12 were killed in crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday.
In metro Atlanta, deadly crashes were reported in DeKalb and Clayton counties, according to the Georgia Department of Public Safety. Crashes also killed travelers in other parts of the state. Troopers from posts in Gainesville, Americus, Thomasville, Swainsboro, Dublin and Milledgeville reported fatalities, according to investigators. Sheriff’s offices in Richmond and Peach counties also investigated deadly crashes.
It’s typically a busy travel week, when many hit the roads to visit family and friends for a festive feast. But this year has been anything but typical. While some opted to stay home for the holiday, others still hit the roads.
Law enforcement agencies said they were prepared to help keep the roads safe. But drivers were being urged to do their part, too.
“Troopers and Motor Carrier Officers will be patrolling interstates and secondary roads throughout the state to reduce traffic crashes, deter and correct bad driving behaviors, and make the roadways safer this holiday period,” said Col. Chris C. Wright, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety.
The Thanksgiving holiday weekend runs from Wednesday evening through Sunday night.
A year ago, state troopers investigated hundreds of crashes that killed nine people and injured 214, the DPS said after last year’s holiday. Local police agencies investigated three additional fatal crashes, bringing the number of deaths to 12. Four of the fatal crashes were in metro Atlanta, according to investigators.
In addition to crash investigations, 343 people were arrested for driving under the influence in 2019, another 11,935 were issued citations, and 16,243 received warnings, the DPS said.
Last year’s death toll was down from 15 for the 2018 Thanksgiving holiday weekend, according to the DPS. From 2014 to 2019, 92 people died in crashes on Georgia roads.
The coronavirus pandemic led to fewer travelers for many of the holiday weekends in 2020.
During this year’s Memorial Day weekend, crashes killed 15 people on Georgia roads, down slightly from 2019. Crashes killed 13 people over the three-day Fourth of July weekend this year, a 50% drop from 26 killed during that holiday stretch in 2019, when Independence Day fell on a Thursday and people had a longer break, according to the State Patrol.
But over this year’s three-day Labor Day weekend, car crashes killed 19 people, more than doubling the number of deaths during the 2019 holiday.
According to the auto service organization AAA, the number of people traveling by automobile is expected to drop 4.3% this year. For those who are traveling, 95% will go by car, according to AAA.
For those still intending to travel, planning ahead is key to a safe trip, experts advise.
“Motorists should travel with patience, allow plenty of time to reach their destinations, be mindful and obey the posted speed limit, ensure every occupant is properly restrained in their vehicle, and never drive distracted or impaired,” Wright said.
TIPS FOR SAFETY ON THE ROADS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
1. Obey the posted speed limit.
2. Do not drive impaired.
3. Buckle up and make sure others in the vehicle do, too.
4. Pay attention to the road and put down your phone.
5. Check your vehicle’s backseat for children and pets when you get out.
Source: Georgia Department of Public Safety
About the Author
