Police: Drive Slower to Reach the New Year

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)

Fatal Crashes Rose During Holiday

The Georgia State Patrol says there were a higher-than-expected number of traffic fatalities on Georgia roads over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period.

Traffic crashes killed 26 people during the period which began Wednesday at 6 p.m. and ended Sunday night at midnight. The number of deaths was higher than the 18 deaths estimated and higher than the 19 deaths seen during the same period last year.

Despite the increase in crashes, State Patrol officials say a high rate of seat belt use led to a decrease in injuries, which totaled 844.

Record few Memorial Day traffic deaths

Georgia had a record few number of traffic deaths this Memorial Day weekend. Right now, the Georgia State Patrol counts 7 deaths. The GSP had predicted 18 people would die on Georgia roads this weekend. Police say while traffic was heavy throughout the weekend, good weather and seat belt-wearing saved lives.