The Georgia Department of Public Safety released estimates for Georgia car accidents during the coming Labor Day weekend. With heavy traffic expected in the metro Atlanta area, the statistics are sobering. Last year, during the three day holiday weekend there were 1,660 car or truck crashes and this year the number is expected to increase to 1,725. Nineteen people died and 798 were injured last year in the Labor Day weekend motor vehicle accidents. For 2009, the Georgia Highway Patrol is predicting that 18 people will die in accidents this holidy weekend and 975 will be injured.
Colonel Hitchens of the Georgia Department of Public Safety stated, "Plan your holiday festivities carefully and be sure to include a designated driver if alcohol consumption will be in your plans." He also reminded travelers in the Atlanta area that not only will traffic be heavy due to the holiday, but also football games and the NASCAR races at the Atlanta Motor Speedway will contribute to delays and congestion.
Labor Day weekend will also conclude the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's "Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest." campaign which was implemented across the United States as law enforcement sought to concentrate on drunk driving as a way to decrease the number of alcohol-related accidents this summer.
So this weekend, be patient with the other drivers on the road, drive safely and enjoy your holiday weekend.
Resources:
Georgia Department of Public Safety
