By Mark Woolsey

State highway patrol officials say 11 people were killed in traffic crashes across Georgia during the 102-hour Thanksgiving holiday travel period, which lasted from 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, to 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30. Troopers investigated six of those fatalities.

The roadway death toll is a noticeable drop from the same period in 2024, when 17 deaths were counted.

The Department of Public Safety says during the same period this year troopers investigated 498 traffic crashes statewide resulting in nearly 236 injuries. The Georgia State Patrol also made over 23,000 traffic stops, resulting in the arrest of more than 422 drivers on DUI charges. The agency says troopers also issued 11,249 citations, the majority of them for distracted driving, seatbelt violations and child restraint issues.

Apparently, none of the fatalities occurred in Cobb County, but the City of Atlanta, DeKalb County, and Gwinnett County were among those reporting deadly crashes.

Highway enforcement officials say the death and injury total could rise as additional reports come in.

About the Georgia Department of Public Safety

The Georgia Department of Public Safety is the statewide agency responsible for enforcing traffic and criminal laws, overseeing commercial vehicle regulations and providing security at state facilities. Created in 1937, the department includes the Georgia State Patrol, the Georgia Capitol Police and the Motor Carrier Enforcement Division.

The Georgia State Patrol conducts highway and rural road enforcement, investigates traffic crashes and supports emergency response during natural disasters and other large-scale incidents. Troopers also assist local law enforcement agencies when needed.

The Georgia Capitol Police provides security and law-enforcement services within the Capitol complex in downtown Atlanta. Its officers handle building protection, event security, traffic control and other safety operations involving state property and personnel.

The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division enforces laws and regulations governing commercial trucks and buses. Its responsibilities include safety inspections, hazardous-materials oversight, size and weight compliance and operation of the state’s weigh stations.

The department’s mission is to work with local, state and federal partners to promote safety and protect Georgia residents and visitors. DPS emphasizes professionalism, integrity and public service across all divisions as it carries out traffic enforcement, crime-reduction efforts and support for emergency management operations.