GA Labor Day Traffic Deaths Nearly Double, DUI Arrests Up 27%

ATLANTA, GA — Nineteen people died in 17 fatal crashes across Georgia over the three-day Labor Day weekend, with DUI arrests up nearly 27 percent for 2020.

Those 19 fatalities are nearly double the number reported in 2019, when only 10 traffic deaths were reported over the same holiday weekend.

According to a statement Tuesday from the Georgia State Patrol, troopers investigated 331 traffic crashes that resulted in 176 injuries and 13 fatalities in 11 fatal crashes. Six more deaths were investigated by police in Atlanta, Athens-Clarke County, Cobb County, College Park, Floyd County and Suwanee.

In addition to crash investigations, troopers and motor-carrier officers wrote 8,854 citations, 10,112 warnings, and arrested 309 motorists for driving under the influence. In 2019, only 244 people were arrested for driving under the influence.

The state patrol's statement did not specify how many of the 2020 fatalities were related to alcohol.

Citations were also given for 1,077 seat-belt, 169 child-restraint, 4,601 speeding and 541 distracted-driving violations.

The holiday travel period began officially at 6 p.m. Friday and ended at 11:59 p.m. Monday.

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