Georgia – Georgia’s Thanksgiving travel holiday took a tragic turn on Friday, following more than a day without any deaths on state roads. Officials verified that two persons died in separate crashes, making this the first time since the holiday traffic count started on Wednesday night that there have been any deaths.
According to the Georgia Department of Public Safety, the deaths happened in Albany and Newton County. Before those accidents, the state had not experienced a deadly crash in 36 hours, even though many people were traveling because of the long weekend. Since 6 p.m., troopers have been keeping a careful eye on traffic. The Thanksgiving holiday travel period officially begins on Wednesday, November 26.
The Georgia State Patrol saw at least 169 car accidents in the first two days alone. Fifty-four of the crashes caused injuries, which makes people even more concerned with traffic jams, long-distance driving, and holiday fatigue. Authorities say that the most dangerous part of the weekend may still be ahead, even though the number of accidents is lower than last Thanksgiving, when there were 684 crashes, 349 injuries, and 17 deaths on the road.
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State troopers are still keeping a close eye on interstates and state routes. They claim the idea is to cut down on accidents, prevent more deaths, and keep drivers alert during one of the busiest travel times of the year. Colonel William W. Hitchens III, the head of the Georgia Department of Public Safety, told drivers to wear their seatbelts and pay attention when driving. He said that basic safety measures can save lives.
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The holiday travel period lasts until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 30, so there are still a few days of severe traffic ahead. Families are going between parties, and drivers are traversing great miles. Law enforcement believes that a robust presence on the highways will keep the death toll from climbing.
