Georgia Troopers Report Deadly 2026 Memorial Day Holiday Weekend

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.

Georgia DOT Suspending Interstate Lane Closures For Memorial Day Weekend

The Georgia Department of Transportation says interstate lane closures will be suspended across the state for the Memorial Day holiday travel period.

The suspension begins Friday, May 22nd, at 12:00 p.m. and will continue through Tuesday, May 26th, at 5:00 a.m. Georgia DOT says the move is intended to reduce travel delays and improve safety during one of the busier travel weekends of the year.

Motorists should remember that while lane closures are suspended, construction crews may still be working near roadways. Some long-term closures may also remain in place for safety reasons, and emergency or crash-related lane closures can still happen at any time.

Drivers are urged to stay alert, slow down in work zones, and move over when possible when workers are present. Georgia DOT says heavier traffic is expected around metro Atlanta and popular tourist destinations across the state.

Travelers can find traffic forecasts and holiday travel tips at the Georgia DOT website.

 

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