ATLANTA — At least 14 people have reportedly died in crashes over the Thanksgiving holiday across the Peach State, according to the Georgia Department of Public Safety.
“Thanksgiving is traditionally one of the busier holiday periods of the year and that increases the traffic volume on our roads,” Colonel Bill Hitchens said. “With the volume also goes an increase in the chance for you to be involved in a traffic crash.
A person died in the early hours of the morning on Thursday in McDonough after hitting a jackknifed tractor-trailer.
Five people lost their lives in a reported crash in Thomasville, which took the fatality total higher, according to a social media post from DPS.
The holiday traffic period began on Wednesday, Nov. 22 at 6 p.m. and ends on Sunday, Nov. 26 at midnight.
During the past five years, a total of 82 people have been killed in traffic crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period.
DPS officials said that every available Trooper will be in full force for the holiday travel period.
Here are some tips from state officials to be prepared on the road:
- Allow time to reach your destination
- Plan rest stops if tired
- Drive the speed limit
- Don't drink and drive
- Make sure all passengers are wearing a seatbelt
"Now through the end of the year is the period when we see a noticeable increase in the number of impaired drivers on our roads,” Colonel Hitchens said. “Troopers will be keeping a sharp eye out for impaired drivers.”
DPS said the highest number of traffic deaths in one Thanksgiving holiday was in 1969 with 43 deaths. The lowest had four in 1949.