Travel along the roadways of Georgia remain a concern for public safety department officials heading into Labor Day.
Recent numbers from the Department of Public Safety (DPS) indicate that more than 340 DUI arrests have been made across the state between Friday, August 29 and Sunday, August 31. During that same timeline, more than 385 distracted drivers have been stopped and cited, while over 570 commuters have been found to violate seatbelt requirements during their travels.
The post on social media by the Georgia DPS shows that there have been five fatalities reported from the more than 190 crashes across the state--incluidng one in Hall County on Sunday--along with 97 injuries as of late Sunday night, August 31. Among the 191 total crashes reported by law enforcement agencies, 28 of those are allegedly with drivers under the unfluence of alcohol or drugs.
"The Georgia DPS urges motorists to prioritize safety by buckling up, obeying speed limits, avoiding distractions, and designating a sober driver if consuming alcohol,” said Colonel William W. Hitchens, III, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety through a press release on their website. A link to their website report also lists tips for drivers to practice safe and responsible driving through the holiday weekend, including:
- Observe the posted speed limit. When you exceed the speed limit, you reduce the amount of time needed to avoid a traffic crash.
- Observe all traffic laws and signals. Traffic laws and signals exist for your safety; failure to obey them can result in crashes that may cause serious injuries or fatalities.
- Do not drive impaired. Designate a sober driver, call a taxi, rideshare service, friend, or family member to help you get home safely.
- Make sure everyone in the vehicle wears a seatbelt. Also, properly install child safety seats. Georgia law requires children under eight-years-old should ride in either a car seat or booster seat suitable for their age, weight, and height.
- Show common courtesy to other motorists and pedestrians on the roads. Be mindful of your fellow road users, especially the most vulnerable, pedestrians and cyclists.
- Do not drive distracted. Refrain from performing any activity that may take your focus off the road, such as texting while driving. Effective July 1, 2018, the Hands-Free Georgia Act prohibits all drivers from using hand-held cell phones while driving. The full law can be found on the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety’s website at www.gahighwaysafety.org.
