DPS Urges Motorists to Drive Safely this Christmas and New Year's Holidays

December 21, 2023(ATLANTA, GA) –As the Christmas and New Year’s holidays rapidly approach, Georgia State Patrol (GSP) Troopers and Motor Carrier Compliance (MCCD) Officers across the state are preparing for the back-to-back holiday weekends and will conduct high visibility patrols on the heaviest travel days to remind motorists to drive safely.This year’s Christmas holiday travel period begins Friday, December 22, at 6 p.m., and ends Tuesday, December 26, at 11:59 p.m. The New Year’s holiday travel period gets underway Friday, December 29, at 6:00 p.m., and ends at 11:59 p.m., on Monday, January 2, 2023. Both are 78 hours long.“The Georgia Department of Public Safety would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. We want to encourage all motorists to make safety their top priority when traveling on Georgia’s roadways. Drivers need to conduct a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle, obey the speed limit, wear your seatbelt, and ensure that all children are properly restrained,” said Colonel Billy Hitchens, Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety (DPS). “Do not drive impaired or distracted and please be patient as you travel,” added Colonel Hitchens.AAA estimates over 115 million people will journey 50 miles or more away from home from December 23 to January 1, a 1.8% increase compared to 2022. In addition to increased traffic, the end-of-the-year is also the time when Troopers and Officers see an increase in the number of impaired drivers on Georgia’s roads.“The Georgia Department of Public Safety will have an increased focus on patrolling the interstates and highways this holiday season to encourage safe driving behaviors and to reduce crashes. We are expecting to see a significant increase in traffic and congestion on Georgia roadways. We ask everyone to please plan ahead, buckle up, and drive responsibly. This time of year, there is an increase in social gatherings with our friends, loved ones, and work families where there is a greater likelihood of alcohol being consumed,” said Colonel Hitchens. “Always have a plan to have a sober driver to help make our roads safer for everyone. With multiple rideshare options available, there is no excuse for someone to drink and drive. If you are caught driving impaired, you will be arrested,” added Colonel Hitchens.See more at https://bit.ly/48nENGU