The Georgia Department of Public Safety has released its activity report detailing traffic enforcement and crash statistics during the Christmas holiday period, highlighting the impact of increased patrols across the state.
According to the report, which reflects activity by the Georgia State Patrol only and does not include data from local or county agencies, troopers made 239 DUI arrests during the holiday. In addition, 385 distracted driving incidents were recorded, along with 539 seatbelt citations.
State Patrol troopers investigated 283 crashes statewide during the reporting period. Those crashes resulted in four fatalities and 105 reported injuries. Authorities say 18 of the crashes involved drivers who were under the influence, while 11 crashes involved commercial motor vehicles, including trucks or buses.
When figures from all law enforcement agencies across Georgia are included, the total number of traffic-related fatalities during the Christmas holiday period stands at nine as of 6:00 p.m. Sunday, according to the department.
The Department of Public Safety did not specify the exact timeframe covered by the report and noted that the figures reflect arrests and citations, not convictions. Officials also cautioned that not all charges will necessarily result in guilty findings in court.
The data is part of the department’s annual holiday enforcement efforts aimed at reducing impaired driving, encouraging seatbelt use, and promoting safer travel during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.