15 People Killed in Memorial Day Holiday Travel Period Crashes

Troopers and local law enforcement investigated 13 fatal traffic crashes resulting in 15 deaths across Georgia during the Memorial Day holiday travel period .  The 78-hour holiday period began Friday, May 22, at 6 p.m. and ended Monday, May 25, at 11:59 p.m.

Statewide, Georgia State Troopers investigated 317 traffic crashes that resulted in 188 injuries.  Troopers also investigated nine fatal crashes which resulted in 11 traffic deaths.  Local agencies reporting traffic deaths during the holiday period were: Atlanta Police Department, Cobb Co. Police Department, Gwinnett Co. Police Department, and Monroe Co. Sheriff’s Office.

In addition to crash investigations, State Troopers arrested 317 people for driving under the influence.  Troopers and Motor Carrier Officers issued 9,536 citations and 9,714 warnings.

There was only one social distancing violation issued in the Metro Atlanta area.

Memorial Day Holiday Traffic Count

6 p.m. Friday, May 22 – 11:59 p.m. Mon., May 25

78-Hour Holiday Period

According to AutoInsurance.org, which analyzed data from several government agencies to determine the deadliest holidays for driving:

• Memorial Day is the 2nd deadliest holiday for drivers. Memorial Day sees an average of 448 fatal accidents each year. In 2019, 343 to 420 people died on American roadways over the Memorial Day holiday.
• Independence Day is the deadliest holiday. The Fourth of July holiday sees an average of 449 fatal accidents, just barely passing Memorial Day in the number of driving-related deaths.
• As shelter-in-place orders are lifted just ahead of Memorial Day, fatal accidents may spike. Counties are seeing a spike in traffic and could see a spike in fatal accidents over the Memorial Day weekend.