This time last year, many Georgians were iffy about hitting the road during a pandemic. Not anymore.
Thanks to vaccinations and a significant drop in coronavirus cases, experts expect many will travel for the Memorial Day weekend. For the state’s law enforcement agencies, that means gearing up for what is often a deadly three days on the roads.
“Now that the state has reopened, CDC has released updated guidelines for those who have been vaccinated and schools have closed for the summer, we expect the number of people traveling on our roadways to visit family and friends to increase this weekend,” Col. Chris C. Wright, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety, said in a statement.
State troopers and local officers will be out in full force, looking out for traffic violations and impaired drivers.
“The Georgia Department of Public Safety wants everyone to enjoy their Memorial Day celebrations with family and friends, but we urge all residents and visitors traveling our roadways and visiting our beaches to obey our laws and practice safe driving habits,” Wright said.
In both 2019 and 2020, 17 people were killed in crashes on Georgia roads over the Memorial Day weekend. Eight were killed in 2018, the State Patrol reported.
Last year, several of the Memorial Day weekend crashes involved motorcycles, though other drivers were often at fault, according to investigators.
A five-vehicle crash in Northeast Georgia killed a North Carolina couple when their motorcycle was hit by at least two vehicles, the State Patrol previously said. Investigators believe a driver failed to maintain his lane, causing the deadly crash.
The State Patrol investigated a total of 382 traffic crashes that resulted in 256 injuries during the 2020 Memorial Day weekend. Troopers and motor carrier officers also arrested 323 people for driving under the influence, while issuing 9,536 citations and 9,714 warnings.
In September, the three-day Labor Day weekend was also a deadly one in Georgia, when car crashes killed 19. That was more than double the number of deaths during the 2019 holiday, according to the State Patrol.
For those planning to head south for the weekend, expect I-75 in Henry County to begin filling up as early as 11 a.m. Friday, according to the WSB Traffic Center.
“That’s the ‘get away’ corridor for those traveling to beach locations,” WSB Radio reporter Ashley Frasca said.
The Georgia Department of Transportation has suspended construction on metro highways beginning at noon Friday through 5 a.m. Tuesday.
STAYING SAFE OVER MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
If you’re planning a weekend road trip, experts say take these precautions to keep yourself and your family safe.
1. Plan ahead. Before heading out, make sure any needed vehicle repairs have been made and check the air pressure in the tires, along with fluids and brakes. Have a first-aid kit and any other emergency supplies ready.
2. Obey the posted speed limit. When you exceed the speed limit, you reduce the amount of available time needed to avoid a traffic crash.
3. Do not drive impaired. Designate a sober driver, or call a taxi, ride-sharing service, friend or family member to help you get home safely.
4. Buckle up. Make sure everyone in the vehicle wears a seat belt and that children are properly restrained in the appropriate child safety seats.
6. Pay attention. Limit your distractions, and never use electronic devices to text or surf the web while driving. The Hands-Free Georgia Act prohibits all drivers from using hand-held cell phones while driving.
Sources: Georgia State Patrol and AAA
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