Memorial Day 2017: State Troopers Beef Up Patrols

ATLANTA, GA -- The men and women in (baby) blue are making final preparations to patrol the state roads and highways for the Memorial Day holiday travel period. The Georgia State Patrol said this year's 78-hour travel period will kick off at 6 p.m. Friday, May 26 and end at 11:59 p.m. Monday, May 29.

“In the coming days, troopers will be on full patrols during peak travel times, strictly enforcing seat belt laws and keeping an eye out for impaired drivers,” said Colonel Mark W. McDonough, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety. “They will not only be patrolling the interstates but secondary roads as well."

During the similar holiday period in 2016, troopers investigated 430 crashes that resulted in 232 injuries, and five fatalities. In addition to the traffic crash investigations, 282 people were arrested for driving under the influence, while 8,560 citations and 11,490 warnings were issued.

The Memorial Day holiday signals the beginning of the summer travel season. Traffic is expected to be heavier due to graduation ceremonies, festivals, and vacation travelers adding to the normal weekend traffic flow.

“The Georgia State Patrol takes saving lives seriously, and encourages all motorists traveling through our state to put safety first,” the colonel said. “Everyone in the vehicle, especially children, should be properly restrained, and drivers should obey the speed limit, avoid driving a vehicle while distracted, and be courteous to other drivers."

Of course, if your three-day weekend plans call for consuming alcohol, you need to use a designated driver for your traveling purposes. The colonel stressed that impaired driving is one of the leading contributing factors in fatal crashes that his troopers investigate.

“Careful planning can prevent alcohol related traffic deaths, and if you are caught driving impaired, you will be arrested,” he said.

Georgia state troopers will also take part in the national Click It, Or Ticket program during the Memorial Day holiday travel period. These troopers will work alongside sheriffs’ deputies and police officers to enforce Georgia’s seat belt laws and to educate the public on the importance of wearing seat belts while traveling in motor vehicles. This program is coordinated in Georgia by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

If you're interested in numbers, the holiday traffic fatality count will be updated throughout the holiday period on the Georgia Department of Public Safety’s Twitter account.

Image via Georgia Department of Public Safety