Georgia, South Carolina report double-digit traffic deaths during Independence Day travel period

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Georgia and South Carolina’s updated reports on Tuesday showed that 19 people were killed on roadways during the Independence Day holiday travel period.

12 on Georgia roads and seven on South Carolina roads.

Georgia State Patrol troopers investigated more than 295 traffic crashes across the state, 15 of which involved commercial motor vehicles, that resulted in more than 180 injuries.

The holiday travel period started at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, and ended at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 5.

“Each one represents a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly lives can change on our highways. We want to thank all motorists who made safe decisions and helped us reduce risk across the state, but the mission doesn’t end here,” The Georgia Department of Public Safety wrote. “Make the right decision every time to drive sober, stay focused, buckle up, and take care of each other every day on Georgia roads.”

GSP Troopers and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE) Officers conducted:

• 20,208 traffic stops
• 425 DUI arrests
• 10,806 citations
• 14,657 warnings
• 1,099 seatbelt violations
• 235 child restraint violations

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reported 10 people died last year during the same time frame, during a time when celebrations are supposed to be at the forefront of traveling plans.

They said they will have other statistics, like DUI arrests, available at a later time.

“Oftentimes here we deal with bad people, but the reality is we deal with really good people who make poor decisions,” South Carolina Highway Patrol Corporal David Jones said before the holiday travel period started. “If you could wear this uniform for one day and knock on doors and give families the worst news of their life after their loved ones been killed it would change the way you think.”

The Tybee Island Police Department released their numbers from over the weekend too. They reported 12 arrests between Friday and Sunday. They issued 19 traffic citations and handled 248 calls for service. They had 22 traffic citations last year.