Slow down and drive safely to that holiday get-together. That's the message from Georgia law enforcement, who predict that as many as 25 people will be killed on state roads over the four-day Christmas holiday.
The state is on pace to beat last year's Christmas crash total. In 2006, there were 2,482 automobile crashes for the 78-hour Christmas weekend. The Georgia State Patrol reported today that with 42 hours still remaining in the holiday weekend, there have already been that many motor vehicle accidents.
So far this year, there have been 585 injuries and five deaths reported. The total for the full 78 hours last year was 1,107 injuries and 22 fatalities.
Georgia officials warn that the travel period between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day is one of the most dangerous and deadly times to be on the road.
(The Associated Press)
Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer is in Rome, getting shoppers where they need to go this Christmas Eve.
The Rome Transit department has a bus with a route specially designed for last-minute Christmas shoppers. It is equipped with a red nose, antlers, and a smiling face.
Phyllis Lee from Rome’s Transit Department, said Rudolph the Red Nose Shopper Bus carries passengers in style.
“Santa drives the bus and we also have Santa’s helper on the bus giving out candy to the kids, giving kids the opportunity to talk to Santa. And Santa, of course, waves and greets the passengers as he goes by,” said Lee.
The children of soul singer James Brown carried on the annual James Brown Toy Giveaway in Augusta on Thursday, nearly one year after his death.
Event organizers say they distributed more than 2000 toys to needy children. Brown's family, businesses, and community groups donated the toys.
Al Sharpton, an activist and politician who was a close friend of Brown's, joined the family at the toy giveaway.
Absent from the giveaway was Tomi Rae Hynie Brown, the singer's widow. Hynie Brown, who is involved in a fierce court battle with the family over Brown's estate, had joined the family in November for a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway in a show of unity. But she told media later that day that family members had mistreated her. Brown's children deny the accusation.
Brown, who grew up in Augusta, died on Christmas Day last year from congestive heart failure brought on by pneumonia.
His children say this holiday will be bittersweet. His daughter Venisha Brown says they'll visit his grave at his daughter's estate and share memories of their dad.
Last year's toy giveaway in Augusta was Brown's last public appearance, just three days before he died.
The children of soul singer James Brown carried on the annual James Brown Toy Giveaway in Augusta on Thursday, nearly one year after his death.
Event organizers say they distributed more than 2000 toys to needy children. Brown's family, businesses, and community groups donated the toys.
Al Sharpton, an activist and politician who was a close friend of Brown's, joined the family at the toy giveaway.
Absent from the giveaway was Tomi Rae Hynie Brown, the singer's widow. Hynie Brown, who is involved in a fierce court battle with the family over Brown's estate, had joined the family in November for a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway in a show of unity. But she told media later that day that family members had mistreated her. Brown's children deny the accusation.
Brown, who grew up in Augusta, died on Christmas Day last year from congestive heart failure brought on by pneumonia.
His children say this holiday will be bittersweet. His daughter Venisha Brown says they'll visit his grave at his daughter's estate and share memories of their dad.
Last year's toy giveaway in Augusta was Brown's last public appearance, just three days before he died.