Two people were killed in separate crashes more than 300 miles apart over the New Year’s holiday, according to the Georgia State Patrol.
That number is a drastic drop from the 14 killed during the Christmas holiday period. Last year, seven were killed in crashes over the new year, the State Patrol said.
This year’s mid-week holiday may have helped keep the roads safer. The State Patrol tallied wrecks from 6 p.m. Tuesday until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday. Last year, the holiday period was longer — about four days — because New Year’s Eve fell on a Monday.
This year, troopers investigated 103 crashes that injured 39 people. Additionally, 160 people were arrested with driving under the influence and 5,083 citations and 7,275 warnings were issued.
RELATED: 14 killed on Georgia roads over Christmas holiday period
Though alcohol is typically a leading cause of crashes on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, it does not appear to be a factor in Georgia’s two fatal crashes, according to investigators.
Wednesday afternoon, a 72-year-old woman was killed in a single-vehicle crash in Marietta, according to police. Investigators believe the crash may have been the result of a medical emergency.
Patricia Wright, who lived in Marietta, was driving a 2012 Toyota Prius westbound on South Marietta Parkway near the intersection with Powers Ferry Road shortly after 2 p.m., Officer Jared Rakestraw with Marietta police said. Wright’s vehicle left the lane and drove onto the right shoulder before crashing into a concrete wall, Rakestraw said. She died at the scene.
Anyone with information regarding the Marietta crash is urged to contact Officer St. Onge at 770-794-5352.
Earlier Wednesday, a 28-year-old Glynn County man was killed when he was struck by a police car, The Brunwick News reported. A Glynn County officer struck the man around 1:29 a.m. while driving northbound on Golden Isles Parkway, according to the report.
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