Georgia Roads See Fewer Fatalities During 2024 Christmas Holiday Travel Period
The Georgia Department of Public Safety reported a significant decrease in traffic fatalities during the 2024 Christmas holiday travel period compared to the previous year. According to official statistics, five people lost their lives on Georgia roads during the 54-hour holiday period, which ended at 11:59 p.m. on December 26, 2024. This year's fatality count represents a substantial improvement from the 2023 Christmas holiday travel period, during which 16 fatalities were recorded statewide. The reduction in deaths on Georgia roads during this festive season is a positive development for public safety officials and motorists alike.
The Christmas travel period for 2024 began on Tuesday, December 24, at 6 p.m. and concluded on Thursday, December 26, at 11:59 p.m1. During this time, Georgia State Patrol (GSP) Troopers and Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD) Officers maintained high visibility patrols on interstates and state roads to enforce traffic laws and promote safe driving habits.
While the five fatalities in 2024 mark a notable decrease, it's important to contextualize this number:
- In 2023, GSP investigated 589 crashes resulting in 335 injuries and 11 fatalities during the Christmas period.
- The 2024 figures represent a 68.75% decrease in fatalities compared to the previous year.
Georgia State Troopers and MCCD Officers focused on several key areas during the holiday period:
- Enforcing speed limits
- Checking for proper use of seatbelts and child safety restraints
- Identifying and apprehending impaired drivers
- Addressing aggressive driving behaviors
Colonel Billy Hitchens, Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, emphasized the continued commitment to road safety: "It is still the primary focus and commitment of State Troopers and Officers to focus on motorists who break state traffic laws and exercise bad driving habits that could potentially cause serious injuries or fatal crashes". As the New Year's holiday travel period approaches, officials continue to encourage motorists to exercise caution, plan for sober drivers if consuming alcohol, and remain vigilant on the roads.
The New Year's travel period is set to begin on Monday, December 30, at 6:00 p.m., and end at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The reduction in fatalities during the Christmas period offers a glimmer of hope for safer roads in Georgia, but authorities stress the importance of continued vigilance and responsible driving to maintain this positive trend throughout the holiday season and beyond.