The recent holiday travel period was deadly on Georgia roads this year. In all, 26 people were killed in crashes that occurred between 6 p.m. on Dec. 21 and 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 26. The Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) reported that the total number of deaths was 11 more than in 2017.
At least 330 more people were injured.
Among those killed was a woman who died from injuries she suffered in a crash in northwest Atlanta. She was the passenger in the car.
In that crash, a woman was driving a car that left the roadway and wound up hitting a utility pole. The driver was charged with homicide by vehicle, DUI and failure to maintain her lane. She was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta for medical attention, and upon release, was booked into Fulton County Jail.
The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) put more officers on the road over the holidays in an effort to prevent crashes by pulling over drivers exhibiting unsafe driving.
“This is a festive time of the year and we want everyone to enjoy the holiday season, but we also want everyone to be safe out on our roads,” read a DPS statement.
As a result of their work, GSP troopers investigated 700 crashes during the holiday period, an increase from the 515 they reviewed last year. They arrested 285 people on DUI-related charges and wrote tickets to thousands more.
Among the 26 killed were undoubtedly a number of people traveling to or from holiday festivities with friends or family members. Their families were left with a terrible loss during the holiday season, as well as with bills for end-of-life medical treatment and funerals. Among the more than 300 people hurt, some of them, as well, were injured through no fault of their own. They likely have compiled costly medical bills and lost income from days off work. As their costs continue to rise, they will need financial assistance. An attorney experienced in traffic crashes can present their options to them.
