Georgia DPS urges safe driving this holiday weekend

-Georgia Department of Public Safety-

Thousands of Georgians are expected to travel this Labor Day weekend as summer comes to an unofficial close.

The Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds motorists that Georgia State Patrol (GSP) Troopers and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE) Officers will conduct high-visibility patrols on interstates and secondary roads, focusing on impaired driving, speeding, seatbelt violations, distracted driving, and other unsafe driving behaviors.

The 78-hour holiday travel period begins Friday, Sept. 4, at 6:00 p.m., and ends Monday, Sept. 7, at 11:59 p.m.

“Labor Day weekend is a busy time on Georgia’s roadways. We encourage motorists to make safety a priority by buckling up, obeying speed limits, avoiding distractions, and designating a sober driver if consuming alcohol,” said Colonel William W. Hitchens, III, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety.

During the 2025 Labor Day holiday travel period, Troopers investigated 359 crashes, resulting in 10 fatalities and 238 injuries. Including local law enforcement, there were 15 fatalities statewide. Troopers also made 435 arrests for driving under the influence.

“Heavy traffic is expected throughout the holiday weekend, so we encourage motorists to be patient, stay alert, and make responsible decisions behind the wheel. A few extra minutes are never worth risking a life,” Colonel Hitchens added.

Motorists should follow these safety tips:

• Buckle up. Make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained, and children are secured in an appropriate car seat or booster seat.
• Never drive impaired. Designate a sober driver or arrange for a safe ride home.
• Obey the speed limit. Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the risk and severity of a crash.
• Avoid distracted driving. Keep your attention on the road and your hands off your phone.
• Maintain a safe following distance. Leave enough space to react and stop safely, especially in heavy traffic.
• Plan your travel and allow extra travel time. Expect holiday congestion and avoid rushing or making sudden lane changes.
• Use caution around large trucks. Avoid blind spots and abrupt lane changes in front of commercial vehicles.

If you have an emergency on the roadway or are involved in a crash, contact 911, and call *GSP if you observe impaired or reckless driving.

The Department of Public Safety will update the holiday traffic enforcement count on its official social media platforms throughout the holiday weekend.