13 die in holiday traffic accidents

By Larry Hartstein

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Thirteen people died in motor-vehicle accidents on Georgia roads over the holiday weekend that began at 6 a.m. Friday, according to state officials.

There were fatalities in Atlanta, DeKalb County and Cherokee County, plus nine outside the metro area.

Last year, there were 1,917 crashes with 867 injuries and 15 fatalities during the 3-day Labor Day weekend.

State troopers and local police officers were conducting increased patrols over this holiday weekend.

And, since August 20, troopers and officers have participated in Operation Zero Tolerance across Georgia as part of a nationwide mobilization against impaired drivers.

The State Patrol reported early Tuesday that at least four of the weekend traffic deaths may involve an alcohol- or drug-impaired driver.

The Labor Day campaign concluded at midnight Monday.

In addition to the traffic fatalities, the state Department of Natural Resources reported that there were two drownings in state waters, as well as one boating-related fatality.

Staff writers Mike Morris and Ty Tagami contributed to this article