The Georgia Department of Public Safety says 15 people lost their lives in traffic crashes across Georgia during the 2026 Independence Day holiday travel period, underscoring the dangers of one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.

According to the Georgia Department of Public Safety, Georgia State Patrol troopers investigated 11 fatal crashes that claimed 11 lives, while local law enforcement agencies investigated four additional fatal crashes, bringing the statewide total to 15 traffic fatalities during the holiday enforcement period.

The holiday travel period began at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 2, and concluded at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 5. Throughout the enforcement campaign, Georgia State Patrol troopers and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officers increased patrols statewide as part of Operation Zero Tolerance and the 100 Days of Summer H.E.A.T. initiative, targeting impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, seat belt violations, and other dangerous driving behaviors.

Before the holiday weekend, Department of Public Safety Commissioner Colonel William W. Hitchens III urged motorists to obey traffic laws, wear seat belts, avoid distractions, and never drive impaired, noting that troopers would be working around the clock to keep Georgia’s roads safe.

The Department of Public Safety is expected to release additional enforcement statistics, including the number of crashes, injuries, DUI arrests, citations, and warnings issued during the holiday period, once all reports have been finalized.