The Georgia Department of Public Safety reports that seven people died in automobile crashes statewide during the 102-hour New Year’s holiday travel period, as troopers and officers worked high-visibility patrols across Georgia, including routes serving Northwest Georgia.

Law enforcement officials say the biggest source of traffic incidents for state troopers during the holiday period was seatbelt violations, underscoring continued concern about unrestrained driving.

Here’s the tally of incidents and enforcement activity state officers responded to directly during the travel period:

  • DUI arrests: 368

  • Distracted driving citations: 482

  • Seatbelt citations: 645

  • Total crash reports: 333

  • Crash fatalities (persons): 3

  • Crash injuries (persons): 156

  • Crashes involving driving under the influence (UI): 45

  • Crashes with commercial motor vehicle (CMV) involvement: 13

Public safety officials continue urging drivers in Northwest Georgia to buckle up every trip, avoid distractions, never drive impaired, and slow down—especially during winter travel and holiday traffic surges.