As Thanksgiving travel increases across Georgia, law enforcement agencies statewide — including the Summerville Police Department, Trion Police Department, and the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office — are stepping up patrols to keep roads safe during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is leading the holiday push with campaigns like “Join the Click” and “Click It or Ticket,” reminding everyone to buckle up. Officers will be watching for seat belt violations and ensuring children are properly secured in car seats, as seat belt use remains one of the strongest defenses in a crash.

Local and state officers are also emphasizing sober driving. With holiday gatherings and travel peaking, drivers are urged to plan ahead with a designated driver or rideshare if they plan to consume alcohol. Law enforcement agencies throughout Northwest Georgia will have increased patrols to identify and stop impaired drivers.

Authorities are also reminding motorists to follow Georgia’s Move-Over Law, which requires drivers to move over or slow down significantly when approaching emergency vehicles, utility crews, or DOT trucks stopped roadside. Violations endanger first responders and carry fines.

Georgia’s Hands-Free Law also remains in effect, making it illegal for drivers to hold a phone to text, read, or send messages. Navigation is allowed only if the device is mounted or hands-free.

Meanwhile, the Georgia Department of Transportation is helping ease congestion by suspending most construction-related lane closures from Wednesday, November 26th at 5 a.m. through Sunday, November 30th at 10 p.m. Emergency closures may still occur as needed.

Local law enforcement says the mission this holiday week is clear: prevent crashes, save lives, and make sure everyone gets to their Thanksgiving destination safely.