Traffic-related deaths numbers are in for Christmas 2017

Traffic-related deaths over the Christmas holiday weekend were higher this year than last year, according to the Georgia State Patrol.

As of 6p Tuesday evening, GSP reported 13 deaths on Georgia roadways.

Fatalities were reported in Blue Ridge, Monroe, Milledgeville, Athens, Cherokee, Paulding and Floyd counties, but none were reported in Stephens, Franklin or surrounding counties in Northeast Georgia.

However, the final number of crashes and injuries has not yet been released.

Last year, eight people lost their lives during the Christmas period, GSP officials said in a news release.

GSP and the Georgia Department of Highway Safety are now advising people to drive safely over the New Year’s holiday period, which is 78 hours long this year.

The New Year’s holiday weekend begins Friday at 6 p.m. and runs through Monday at 11:59 p.m.