Are you ready for a vacation trip? Georgia State Patrol

With the Christmas and New Year holidays fast approaching, Georgia State Patrol troopers and motor carrier compliance officers across the state are gearing up for the holiday weekend and will conduct high-visibility patrols on high-travel days to remind motorists to drive safely. .

This year’s Christmas holiday travel period begins at 6pm on Friday, December 23 and ends at 11:59pm on Monday, December 26.

New Year’s holiday travel period, Friday, Dec. 30, starting at 6 p.m., Jan. 2 Ends at 11:59 PM on Monday. Both are 78 hours.

“We want everyone to enjoy the holiday season with family and friends; However, we want all motorists to make safety a priority when traveling on Georgia’s roadways,” said Col. Chris. C. Wright, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety. “Drivers should obey posted speed limits, avoid distractions, drive calmly, wear seat belts and ensure children are properly restrained, as well as be courteous to other drivers,” Wright added.

AAA estimates that 112.7 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home between December 23 and January 2.

In addition to increased traffic, the end of the year is a time when troopers and officers will see an increase in the number of impaired drivers on Georgia’s roads.

“I encourage everyone to plan holiday activities wisely. Choose a designated driver before you celebrate; If you plan to drive, please don’t drink, Colonel Wright said. Last year, 195 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) during the Christmas holiday travel season, and 254 drivers were arrested for the same offense during the New Year holiday. If you are driving impaired, you will be arrested.

The Department of Public Safety wants to make sure everyone gets to their destinations safely. Review this checklist we’ve provided in preparation for your trip on the road.

  • Before you go: Ensure all fluids (gas, coolant, oil, windshield wipers, etc.) are at their required levels; Check your tire pressure, including the spare tire; Check your battery, brakes, belts, hoses, filters and lights before hitting the road.
  • Prepare a car emergency kit: Be sure where you are going; Check weather and road conditions; Make sure you have important numbers for emergency services programmed into your phone; Make sure you have your phone charging cables, jumper cables, flashlights, snow chains, ice scraper, shovel and tool kits; Buy or fill your first aid kit; Include blankets, pillows, water and snacks for long journeys and possible delays; Make sure you have your masks and hand sanitizers with you.
  • While on the road: Know the laws of the road in the states you travel to by visiting their state websites/apps; Pay attention to posted speed limits; Make sure everyone is properly restrained in the vehicle, including booster seats for children under 8; Fill your tank when it is half full. Keep more than one car length between you and the vehicle in front of you (two lengths apart in bad weather), and don’t drive while impaired, including while on medication.
  • Be safe and alert: Be aware of aggressive drivers and/or impaired drivers and report them to 911 or *GSP while on Georgia’s roads; Make sure there is plenty of gas between the exits; To avoid falling asleep at the wheel, take breaks and stretch at well-lit rest stops; Share driving responsibilities to avoid fatigue; Do not leave valuables, including gifts, found in your vehicle; And eliminate any distractions that take your attention off the road.

During the holiday season, updated traffic fatality numbers will be posted on the Department of Public Safety’s Twitter page: http://www.twitter.com/ga_dps.

About Admin

Check Also

Tips for contacting the airline when your flight is canceled

Tips for contacting the airline when your flight is canceled or delayed

Andrew Astor did everything right when his red-eye flight was delayed into the morning during …

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *