Georgia State Troopers have investigated more crashes during this New Year's holiday than last year, with injuries rising above New Year's 2012 levels, and almost as many deaths – six so far this year, compared to seven last year.
The GSP investigated three of the fatal traffic accidents, with local agencies investigating the other three.
Troopers investigated 415 accidents as of daybreak, Jan. 1, which included 213 injuries and three deaths. During last year's entire 102-hour holiday, the Department of Public Safety investigated 296 accidents. Those accidents included 172 injuries and 7 deaths.
Deaths have been investigated by the following Troop locations and local agencies:
- GSP Athens
- Cobb County Police Department
- Macon Police Department
- GSP Madison
- GSP Valdosta
- Perry Police Department
Statewide last year, law enforcement agencies reported 1,929 accidents with 716 injuries and 13 deaths. During holiday period patrols by troopers in 2011, 262 people were arrested for driving under the influence.
Colonel Mark McDonough, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety, said Georgia state troopers are patrolling throughout the holiday period with enforcement emphasis on impaired drivers, unrestrained drivers and passengers, and drivers exceeding the speed limit.
The New Year’s holiday period began Friday at 6 p.m. and ended Tuesday night.