Fourteen people were killed in wrecks over the Christmas holiday period lasting from 6 p.m. Tuesday until 11:59 p.m. Thursday, the Georgia State Patrol said Friday.
The number of fatalities matches last year’s, although that holiday travel period lasted an extra day. Christmas 2018 landed on a Tuesday, allowing many travelers to hit the road the prior weekend.
The driver of a four-wheeler was among those killed this year. Investigators believe the man was trying to pass a vehicle when he hit an Atlanta fire engine head-on on Wednesday.
Also on Christmas Day, a Marietta woman was killed as she attempted to cross South Cobb Drive, according to Cobb County police. The woman was identified as 49-year-old Jennifer Denise Evans.
RELATED: 12 killed in crashes during Thanksgiving holiday weekend
On Tuesday afternoon, a Pickens County man was killed in a single-vehicle crash on I-575, according to the GSP. A trooper attempted to stop Anthony Drew Purcell, 38, for failing to use a turn signal. But Purcell did not stop and struck a guardrail head-on, a GSP spokesperson said.
Now, troopers and other law enforcement agencies must gear up for the New Year’s travel period.
“This is a festive time of the year,” Col. Mark W. McDonough, DPS commissioner, said. “We want everyone to drive sober, stay focused, obey the laws and enjoy this holiday season with family and friends.”
According to the motor club AAA, more Americans than ever were expected to travel during the holidays this year, thanks in part to a robust economy and low gas prices. Compared to last year, 4.9 million additional travelers were expected to make road trips and flights, according to AAA.
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