URGENT UPDATE: Georgia is reeling from a devastating Thanksgiving holiday period, with state officials confirming 12 fatalities and over 400 DUI arrests across the state. The Georgia State Patrol reported a shocking 10 fatal crashes during the 102-hour travel period from November 26 to 30, prompting urgent calls for safer driving practices.
Between Wednesday evening and late Sunday night, Georgia State Patrol troopers responded to more than 498 crashes, resulting in 236 injuries. In a concerted effort to ensure road safety, officers conducted over 23,000 traffic stops during this timeframe. The state witnessed a massive enforcement operation leading to 422 DUI arrests, along with over 17,200 warnings and 11,249 citations issued.
Among the violations, authorities flagged 6,200 seatbelt infractions, 226 child-restraint violations, and more than 680 cases of distracted driving. Local police agencies from Albany, Atlanta, DeKalb, Gwinnett, and Glynn counties each reported traffic-related fatalities, emphasizing the widespread nature of this troubling trend.
Bob Nulman, a national ambassador for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, whose son was tragically killed by a drunk driver in 1987, expressed his deep concern over the alarming statistics. He urged all drivers to plan ahead and avoid impaired driving, labeling it a serious and preventable danger. “Every life lost is a tragedy that could have been avoided,” Nulman stated.
The Georgia Department of Public Safety noted that these statistics are preliminary and subject to updates, highlighting the ongoing risk associated with holiday travel. The recent surge in traffic incidents serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance behind the wheel.
Officials are now urging motorists to remain cautious and responsible, especially during busy holiday seasons. As families hit the roads for celebrations, the call for safer driving practices becomes more critical than ever.
As we continue to monitor this developing situation, residents are encouraged to stay informed and prioritize safety on the roads. The tragic events of this Thanksgiving serve as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers that lurk during festive travel periods.
