56 Injured In Thanksgiving Crashes So Far, GA Authorities Say

More than 100 people are facing DUI charges, and there have been 110 crashes statewide, since the start of Georgia's Thanksgiving travel period, the Georgia State Patrol said Friday.

The new data from GSP came as the Capitol Police were conducting around-the-clock security for staff members and visitors of the Georgia Capitol and other state facilities throughout the holiday weekend.

The annual travel period began at 6 p.m. Wednesday and will end at 11:59 p.m. Sunday. As of 6 a.m. Friday, 135 people are facing charges of driving under the influence, according to the GSP.

While no crash fatalities were reported early Friday, the GSP said 56 people have been injured. Of the dozens of crashes, 10 of them involved drivers being under the influence, authorities said.

State authorities have charged 124 people with distracted driving and have issued 181 seatbelt citations.

“The Georgia Department of Public Safety urges everyone to travel safely so they can enjoy Thanksgiving with their loved ones,” DPS Commissioner Col. William W. Hitchens III said in a news release published Monday. “Seatbelts save lives. Take a moment to make sure everyone is properly restrained.”

Last year, 17 people were killed and nearly 265 people were injured in Thanksgiving crashes. Additionally, more than 425 people faced DUI charges.

This year's data does not yet include reports from local law-enforcement agencies. The GSP usually releases a full, detailed report after the holiday traveling period.

The GSP offered these travel tips:

Safe Driving Tips

• Follow posted speed limits and obey all traffic laws.
• Never drive impaired. Use a sober driver, taxi or rideshare.
• Ensure everyone is buckled up; Georgia law requires children under age 8 to be in an appropriate car seat or booster seat.
• Give large trucks and buses plenty of space and anticipate wide turns.
• Avoid distractions. Georgia’s Hands-Free Act prohibits the use of handheld devices while driving.

Vehicle Safety Tips

• Check all vehicle lights, including headlights, brake lights and signals.
• Inspect and replace worn wiper blades.
• Check tire condition and tire pressure before traveling.
• Carry basic emergency supplies such as a phone charger, flashlight, first-aid kit, flares and jumper cables.