Law Enforcement Urges Roadway Safety In Gwinnett County July 4

The Georgia State Patrol and Motor Carrier Compliance Division are encouraging Gwinnett Countydrivers to be cautious while on crowded roadways July 4. This year, the holiday travel period is 102 hours long, Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS) said in a news release.

The travel period will begin 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3, and end at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 7.
This year marks the one year anniversary of the Georgia Hands-Free Law which became effective July 1, 2018. Last year, the holiday period was only 30 hours long, GDPS added.

During the holiday period, troopers investigated 150 traffic crashes resulting in 90 injuries and two fatalities. Troopers also issued 6,367 citations (957 seat belts and 150 child restraints), 8,465 warnings, and made 123 DUI arrests, GDPS said.

"With a record number of travelers hitting the roadways this holiday, we want everyone to pack a load of patience for traffic delays and to put safety first by following the posted speed limit, not driving while impaired, making sure all occupants are restrained, and keeping your hands off of your cell phones," Mark McDonough, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety, said. "State troopers and officers will be on high visibility patrols during the 102-hour holiday period in an effort to keep the number of traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities at a minimum."

According to AAA, the worst day to travel on the roadways in Atlanta is Friday, July 5, and the worst time for travel is between 5 – 7 p.m. The holiday traffic count will be updated throughout the holiday period on the Georgia Department of Public Safety Twitter page: https://twitter.com/ga_dps.