2 killed on Georgia roads over New Year’s holiday, State Patrol says
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.
