18 people predicted to die on Georgia roads July 4 weekend

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By Alexis Stevens

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

State officials are predicting that 18 people will die on Georgia roads over the Fourth of July holiday weekend. That's up from last year, when 15 people were killed over the 78-hour holiday period.

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As many as 2,072 crashes resulting in 999 injuries are also predicted, according to the Governor's Office of Highway Safety. The holiday period began Thursday at 6 p.m. and ends Sunday at midnight.

“Most of these crashes aren’t just random events caused by too many cars navigating through too much congestion, said Bob Dallas, director of the GOHS. “Drivers need to pay attention to Georgia State Patrol warnings that alcohol, speed and failure to use safety belts are the primary contributing factors in fatal crashes during the holiday travel periods.”

Law enforcement agencies around the state will be conducting road checks in an effort to prevent wrecks particularly related to drivers under the influence, Dallas said. Also, new laws that went into effect Thursday prohibit texting while behind the wheel and teenage drivers from using cell phones.

MARTA will provide extra service, running from 5 a.m. until 1 a.m. over the holiday weekend, a spokeswoman said. MARTA will operate a Saturday bus and rail schedule on Monday.