GSP to set up ‘high visibility patrols’ to prevent crashes, fatalities this holiday season

Georgia State Patrol troopers and their Motor Carrier Compliance (MCCD) officers want drivers to be cautious on the roadways this holiday season.

Because of the Christmas and New Year’s holiday travel periods, troopers and MCCD officers will be patrolling on interstates and state roads.

“It is still the primary focus and commitment of State Troopers and Officers to focus on motorists who break state traffic laws and exercise bad driving habits that could potentially cause serious injuries or fatal crashes. We encourage all motorists to make safety their top priority when traveling on Georgia’s roadways,” said Colonel Billy Hitchens, Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety (DPS).

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During last year’s Christmas holiday, there were 16 fatalities statewide. GSP says they “investigated 589 crashes that resulted in nearly 335 injuries and 11 fatalities.”

In comparison to 2023 Christmas holiday, on New Year’s 2023, GSP investigated nine statewide fatalities. They also “investigated 317 crashes that resulted in approximately 177 injuries and three fatalities.”

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