Wednesday, November 22, 2000

The Georgia State Patrol is predicting that 19 deaths will occur on Georgia's roads and highways during the 102-hour Thanksgiving holiday period that begins Wednesday at 6 p.m.

GSP Commander Col. George Ellis said every available trooper will be on patrol Wednesday and Sunday, the heaviest traveling days of the holiday period.

"Troopers will not only be working the interstates, but also in high traffic areas where crashes occur," Ellis said. "Last year, over half of the traffic deaths during the holiday period were recorded on state roads."

More than 3,400 wrecks and more than 1,000 injuries are projected over the holiday this year, Ellis said. Last year, Georgia recorded 3,903 crashes, 1,071 injuries and 16 fatalities during Thanksgiving.

Ellis encourages motorists to make sure their vehicle is in proper operating condition, allow plenty of time to reach destinations, minimize distractions in the vehicle, wear seat belts and make sure children are properly restrained.

"By all means, if alcohol will be in your holiday plans, do not get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle use a designated driver," Ellis said.

The highest number of fatalities recorded over Thanksgiving holidays was in 1969 when 43 people died. The lowest number of fatalities was back in 1949 when only four people died in traffic accidents in Georgia.

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