GSP Encourages safe driving during Labor Day Holiday Travel Period

Today is Labor Day and across the state, troopers with the Georgia State Patrol have been out in force, reminding motorists to practice safe driving habits as they travel.

The holiday travel period began on Saturday, Sept. 1, and will continue through today, Sept. 3.

Troopers will be watching for speeders, drivers who text, and those posing a dangerous risk to other motorists on the road.

Last year, during the Labor Day travel period, troopers investigated 448 crashes, which resulted in 283 injuries.

Four of those crashes were fatal, killing four people.

In addition to crash investigations, troopers wrote 8,412 citations; 11,562 warnings; and arrested 249 motorists for driving under the influence.

According to Georgia Department of Public Safety Commissioner Colonel Mark W. McDonough traffic during the holiday weekend has been a bit heavy, as most people consider Labor Day the unofficial end of summer, and use the extended weekend to take their final summer trips.

McDonough added that the more vehicles on the road, the higher the chances are for a traffic crash to occur, which is why it is all the more important to observe the traffic laws and keep safety a priority.