2019 Christmas Travel Period claims 14 lives

The 2019 Christmas travel period claimed 14 lives this year.

According to the Georgia State Patrol, the 54-hour holiday period began at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 24 and ended on Thursday, December 26 at 11:59 p.m.

Statewide, GSP Troopers investigated 14 fatal crashes, which occurred in Dublin, Douglas, Colquitt, Grovetown, Atlanta, Cobb County, DeKalb County, and Union City.

Last year, the 2018 Christmas holiday travel period was 126-hours long. During which, the GSP investigated 700 crashes that resulted in 333 injuries and 14 fatalities.

Troopers and officers issued a total of 9,978 citations and 15,888 warnings, with 285 people arrested for driving impaired.

The next holiday travel period begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday, December 31 and will continue until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, January 1.

In 2018, GSP worked 550 wrecks during the New Year’s Holiday travel period, those resulted in 223 injuries and seven fatalities.

In addition, troopers and officers issued 6,971 citations, 11,339 warnings, and arrested 368 people for driving under the influence.

With so many motorists on the roads, troopers and officers caution drivers to stay focused and avoid becoming a distracted driver.

It is also important to plan for a sober, designated driver if alcohol consumption will be part of your holiday celebrations.