GEORGIA, USA — As Memorial Day weekend approaches and the unofficial start of summer kicks off, many people might want to hit the water or the roads. On Thursday, several Georgia law enforcement agencies gathered to emphasize the importance of staying safe.
“We’re all for the same common goal, and that’s to reduce the number of injuries and deaths on our roadways and waterways this year,” said Mark McKinnon with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
DNR joined the Governor of Highway Safety and the Georgia State Patrol for a news conference, during which the agencies announced plans to increase road patrols this weekend.
Georgia State Patrol's Col. William Hitchens said that during last year's Memorial Day travel period, over 13,000 citations were issued, and 338 people were arrested for DUI. 322 people were injured in 534 crashes.
During the travel period, which starts on Friday, May 24, at 6 p.m. and ends on Monday, May 27, at 11:59 p.m., troopers will look for unsafe drivers, aggressive drivers, improper lane changes, and more while on the road.
"Georgia is a place where people want to come and live and work. So, we're seeing an increase in population in the state, which also means an increase in population on the roadways. So, we're seeing more cars out there. We're seeing crashes. We are seeing a downward trend in our fatalities," said Hitchens.
Authorities said they will ask more people to slow down and wear a seat belt.
GSP recommends the following travel tips while on the road:
- Make sure you drive the posted speed limit.
- Obey all traffic laws and signals.
- Designate a sober driver or call a rideshare if you are under the influence.
- Show courtesy to other motorists and pedestrians on the roads
- Pay attention to trucks and buses, and leave extra space when merging in front of those vehicles.
Officials added that their concerns are going beyond the roads and on the water.
"Unfortunately, we have drownings every year, and we’ve already had drownings this year. The main thing is to understand what you are capable of; if you're not a good swimmer, then you need to put a live jacket on or not go out in the water that’s over your head," DNR Col. Mike England said. "It only takes a split second to drink that tablespoon of water."
England added that there will be a low tolerance for those who violate boating laws as they crack down on boaters under the influence.
"Think about other people and think about what you are doing. Make sure that you're prepared. Make sure that you have, you know, enough lifejackets in the boat," said England.
DNR game wardens will especially be on the lookout for those who violate the 100-foot wave rule, which states that if you're within 100 feet of people or other structures, you should be at wake speed. They will also look for 200-foot wave speed violations.
Watch the full news conference below.