15 Killed, 200+ DUI Arrests During Christmas Travel Period In GA

ATLANTA, GA — At least 15 people were killed, and more than 270 people are facing driving under the influence charges, during the Christmas travel period that ended Sunday night, state authorities said at their early Monday morning count.

The Georgia State Patrol investigated four of the 15 fatal crashes, the department said. Last year, there were five fatalities statewide.

Though the GSP's report is not yet final, authorities said there were 329 crashes during the travel period that started at 6 p.m. Wednesday and ended at 11:59 p.m. Sunday.

Of those, 22 of them involved someone being under the influence, and 16 crashes involved commercial motor vehicles. The crashes resulted in injuries for 137 people, the GSP said.

Authorities charged 274 people with driving under the influence and 489 people with distracted driving, the GSP said. More than 650 seatbelt citations were distributed.

Prior to Christmas, authorities encouraged drivers to safely travel after they observe the cheerful holiday.

“State troopers and officers remain committed to enforcing Georgia’s traffic laws and addressing unsafe driving behaviors that can lead to serious injuries or fatal crashes,” Col. William W. Hitchens III, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety, said in a news release. “We urge all motorists to make safety their top priority when traveling on Georgia’s roadways.”

With the approach of New Year's Day, which will be observed Thursday, Hitchens urged drivers to remain sober and stay alert, following traffic laws.

“Plan ahead for a sober ride home because impaired drivers will be arrested,” he said in the release.

The New Year's holiday travel period will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday, New Year's Eve, and will end at 11:59 p.m., Jan. 4, 2026.