Georgia State Patrol Troopers reported on May 29 that 12 people were killed and 222 injured during the Memorial Day holiday travel period across the state. The holiday period began Friday, May 22, at 6:00 p.m., and ended at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 25.
Troopers investigated five fatal traffic crashes while local law enforcement agencies investigated seven fatal crashes, resulting in a total of twelve deaths statewide over the course of the 78-hour holiday weekend. Agencies reporting fatalities included the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, Burke County Sheriff’s Office, Clayton County Police Department, Newton County Sheriff’s Office, and Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.
In addition to fatal incidents, Troopers investigated a total of 355 traffic crashes statewide that resulted in injuries to more than two hundred individuals. Law enforcement officers made a significant number of stops and arrests during this period; GSP Troopers and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers conducted a total of 18,662 traffic stops and arrested 336 individuals for driving under the influence. Officers also issued more than fourteen thousand warnings and nearly ten thousand citations.
Other enforcement actions included issuing citations for distracted driving (746), seatbelt violations (936), and child restraint violations (207). The report notes that these crash statistics are preliminary findings and may change after further review following the holiday travel period.
A breakdown by troop showed fatalities occurring across several regions, with some troops reporting no fatalities while others experienced multiple deadly incidents.
