Friday, Nov. 17, 2004

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State forecasts holiday weekend accident count

By LEE WILLIAMS
lwilliams@TheCitizenNews.com

More than 20 people are predicted to die on Georgia’s roads this Thanksgiving holiday.

The Georgia Department of Motor Vehicle Safety and Georgia Department of Public Safety released their holiday travel predications Friday. The agencies project 3,470 accidents, 934 injuries and 20 deaths will occur as thousands take to the roads this holiday.

“Now through the end of the year is the period when we see a noticeable increase in the number of impaired drivers on our roads,” Georgia State Patrol Commander Col. George Ellis said. “Troopers will be keeping a sharp eye out for those who choose to drink and drive. Motorists who see a suspected drunk driver should report the vehicle to the nearest state patrol post by call ‘Star G-S-P’ on their cell phone.”

The DMVS was charged with gathering, storing and producing holiday accident forecasts and accident date on July 1. Last year’s Thanksgiving holiday period resulted in 20 deaths and 918 injuries. The highest number of fatalities recorded for Thanksgiving was 43 in 1969; the lowest recorded was four in 1949.