13 Killed Across Georgia In 10 Fatal Car Crashes During Christmas

GEORGIA — Thirteen people died in 10 car crashes over the Christmas holiday statewide, according to the Department of Public Safety Monday.

Authorities monitored crashes during a 78-hour holiday travel period from 6 p.m., Dec. 23, to 11:59 p.m., Dec. 26.

Public safety officials said Georgia troopers investigated five crashes that killed seven people while local law-enforcement agencies investigated five crashes that killed six people.

The Atlanta Police Department, Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, DeKalb County Police Department and Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office were all among local agencies.

People died in Cartersville, Hartwell, Toccoa, Grovetown, Rincon, Atlanta and DeKalb, Bibb and Forsyth counties, public safety officials said.

"This year’s fatal crashes slightly decreased from the 2021 Christmas travel period when 18 deaths stemmed from 16 fatal crashes. Currently, it is too soon to determine why the number of fatalities and fatality crashes diminished this year; however, troopers heavily patrol the roadways during the Christmas travel period, with the goal of reducing fatalities," public safety officials said in a news release.

The number of travelers, weather and the economy were among some of the factors contributing to yearly fatality and crash numbers, according to the department.

Additionally, troopers investigated more than 335 traffic crashes resulting in more than 150 injuries. More than 207 people were arrested for driving under the influence, and nearly 5,000 citations and 6,500 warnings were issued, according to the department.