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.
The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is reminding drivers to keep fireworks in the sky and off the road this Fourth of July holiday weekend by planning ahead for a sober ride.
State troopers, local officers, H.E.A.T. units and regional traffic enforcement networks are stepping up patrols through Sunday night. Officers will be watching for impaired driving, speeding, reckless driving, distracted driving, aggressive driving and seat belt violations.
GOHS says Georgia is a zero-tolerance state for drunk driving, and drivers over the legal limit will be arrested. More than 700 DUI arrests were made during last year’s July Fourth enforcement period.
AAA’s Tow-To-Go service will also be available through Monday morning, offering a free tow and ride for the driver up to 10 miles.
With millions of Americans expected to hit the road for the Fourth of July holiday, the Georgia Department of Public Safety is urging motorists to make safety their top priority during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.
The Georgia Department of Public Safety is asking Georgians to help the Georgia State Patrol bring home a national title by voting in the 2026 American Association of State Troopers (AAST) Best Looking Patrol Car Contest.
Voting is now underway, and the annual contest features patrol vehicles from state law enforcement agencies across the country. Supporters can cast one vote for Georgia’s entry through July 10.
The Georgia Department of Public Safety is also encouraging residents to like and share the contest announcement on social media and invite friends and family to participate. Officials say every vote helps showcase the pride, professionalism, and tradition of the Georgia State Patrol on a national stage.
To vote, visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2026bestlookingcruiser
Georgia’s Office of the Commissioner of Insurance has opened an investigation into the Georgia State Patrol’s so-called “PIT for Pay” scandal involving former troopers who allegedly profited from insurance claims tied to crashes they caused during vehicle pursuits.
The investigation follows the firing of four Georgia State Patrol troopers who were found to have pursued personal injury settlements after performing PIT maneuvers, a law enforcement tactic used to stop fleeing vehicles by intentionally causing them to spin out.
According to records released during the investigation, three former troopers received nearly $100,000 in combined insurance settlements. A fourth trooper was fired for failing to report the practice and attempting to participate himself.
One case involved former Trooper Hunter Waters, who reportedly received a $25,000 insurance settlement following a pursuit-related crash involving a vehicle owned by Latesha Banks. Banks was not driving the vehicle and was not present when the crash occurred.
Banks says she later learned of the insurance claim and has since faced higher insurance premiums despite not being responsible for the incident. She is seeking to have the settlement money returned and her insurance costs reduced.
Internal investigations found that multiple former troopers referred pursuit-related crashes to an attorney and obtained settlements through insurance claims.
The four troopers involved were terminated for violating department policy and ethical standards. No criminal charges have been filed.
The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance continues to investigate the matter, while some insurance companies involved are reportedly reviewing their legal options.
The Georgia Department of Public Safety says 12 people were killed on Georgia roads during the 2026 Memorial Day holiday travel period.
The 78-hour reporting period ran from 6 PM Friday, May 22, through midnight Monday, May 25. During that time, officials reported 298 traffic crashes statewide, with more than 150 injuries.
Law enforcement officers also made 329 DUI arrests and issued 708 distracted driving citations, along with 911 seatbelt citations. Officials say 31 crashes involved impaired drivers.
The 2026 fatality count was double the number reported during the same holiday period in 2025, when six people were killed on Georgia roads.
One of the fatal crashes was reported Sunday morning in Northwest Georgia’s Troop A region and claimed the life of a 24-year-old.
Public safety officials continue urging drivers to slow down, buckle up, avoid distractions, and never drive under the influence.
A Summerville man was arrested by the Georgia State Patrol over the weekend on a charge of driving under the influence.
According to Floyd County Jail records, 34-year-old Kevante Lamar Baldwin of Turner Street in Summerville was taken into custody Saturday following a traffic stop in the area of North Second Avenue and West Third Street in Rome.
Arrest reports indicate Baldwin was charged with DUI after authorities determined he was over the legal limit for alcohol.
Baldwin was later released from custody after posting bond.
As Georgia travelers prepare for the Memorial Day holiday weekend, the Georgia Department of Public Safety is urging drivers to make safety a top priority.
The Georgia State Patrol is warning drivers about a scam involving fake text messages claiming to be from law enforcement.
According to GSP, scammers are sending messages saying recipients have outstanding violations or fines connected to their vehicle. The messages may threaten enforcement action or arrest and urge people to click a link to make a payment.
State officials say GSP troopers will not send text messages demanding money, threatening arrest, or asking drivers to click a link to resolve official violations.
Anyone who receives one of these messages should not click the link, reply, provide personal information, or send payment.
Drivers who are concerned about a possible citation or fine should contact the Georgia Department of Public Safety or their local court directly using verified contact information.
Officials say these scams are designed to create fear and urgency, and drivers should slow down, verify first, and contact the proper agency directly if they have questions.
A LaFayette man was killed Saturday evening following a motorcycle crash on Shinbone Valley Road in Menlo, according to Chattooga County Coroner Jeremy A. McElhaney.
Authorities said the Chattooga County E-911 Center notified the coroner’s office at approximately 6:18 PM on Saturday, May 16, 2026, regarding a fatal motor vehicle accident.
Upon arrival at the scene, Coroner McElhaney pronounced 39-year-old James Cody Penland dead at the scene.
Preliminary information indicates Penland was the sole operator of a motorcycle that left the roadway and struck a tree. The crash was reportedly discovered and called in by a passer-by. Investigators do not believe anyone else was involved.
The Georgia State Patrol is continuing to investigate the cause of the accident.
Responding agencies included the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, Atrium Floyd EMS, and the Menlo Fire Department.