The busy Memorial Day Travel Period wrapped up at midnight on Monday and the Georgia State Patrol says that there were a total of fifteen traffic fatalities statewide.

That’s up by two over the 2019 number, when thirteen people lost their lives on Georgia’s roadways during the Memorial Day Travel Period.

Troopers were on the lookout for people driving under the influence and not wearing their seat belts and for those disobeying the “hands-free” law; but, there was another job tasked to troopers this past weekend as well.

Troopers were on the lookout for people who were not observing social-distancing. Colonel Gary Vowell, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety said, “This Memorial Day weekend (was) like no other we have experienced before. Even in these unprecedented times, it is the job of the Georgia Department of Public Safety to emphasize the safety responsibilities of everyone on Georgia’s roadways and beaches.”

The Department of Public Safety issued a release saying, “In addition to keeping the roadways safe, the beaches (were) saturated with Troopers and Officers ensuring everyone is compliant with Governor Brian P. Kemp’s Executive Order regarding proper social distancing, large gatherings, the rules of the beaches, and making sure business/restaurant owners are following the guidelines in the order.  While it is the department’s mandate to enforce violations of the order, it should never be necessary.  Business/restaurant owners are expected to keep patrons in compliance with the order indoors and outside of their businesses.  Visitors to the beaches and on the waterways (were) also expected to follow the rules and guidelines as outlined by the Department of Natural Resources.”