MACON, Ga. — People hear it every year, travel experts and people in law enforcement reminding drivers you to be safe in holiday travels, but this year there's some new information.
Penny Brooks with the Georgia Department of Transportation says the number of Georgia's roadway deaths this year is about the same as last year's.
"In 2020 we've had 1,350 roadway fatalities now, in 2019, till this day we've had 1,352 roadway fatalities," Brooks said.
She doesn't see it as good news, considering the amount of traffic this year is down since last year.
"We are still seeing a decreased amount of traffic compared to this point last year. Across the state it varies anywhere from 5% to 10% less than what we had last year," Brooks said.
Brooks says 76% of the roadway deaths are due to unsafe driving behaviors, like speeding and distracted driving.
Captain Brad Wolfe with the Bibb County Sheriff's Office wants people to practice good driving habits, especially this time of year.
"We do see do see a big increase in traffic volume leading up to the holidays. Sometimes the day itself will be a little bit slow, but then it picks up in the evening time when people start heading home. So, it's something we see every year and we're prepared for it and we just know it's going to happen," Wolfe said.
He says Bibb County's up to 40 fatal crashes this year, which is around their annual average.
Wolfe wants to make sure you're doing everything you can to keep from adding to that number.
"Give yourself plenty of time to get where you're going. Don't drive distracted, don't be texting, talking to people in the back seat whatever. Focus on driving. that's your most important task when you're behind the wheel. Don't drink and drive, don't be smoking marijuana and driving things like that. Do everything that you can to keep yourself safe," Wolfe said.
Brooks also said 60% of the victims in these fatal crashes were either not wearing seat belts or investigators couldn't tell if they were wearing seat belts.
The state won't have any lane closures during the Thanksgiving Holiday on interstate highways and major state roads.