As Georgians prepare for the long Labor Day weekend, the Georgia State Patrol is reminding motorists that troopers will be out in force — and last year’s numbers show why. The Georgia Department of Public Safety says the 2026 Labor Day holiday travel period begins at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, and continues through 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7.
During the 78-hour period, Georgia State Patrol troopers and Motor Carrier Compliance Division officers will conduct high-visibility patrols on interstates and secondary roads across the state. Officers will be watching for impaired drivers, speeding, distracted driving, seat-belt violations and other dangerous driving behaviors.
Statistics from last year’s holiday weekend demonstrate just how busy the travel period can become. During the 2025 Labor Day holiday period, Georgia State Patrol investigated 359 crashes resulting in 238 injuries. Troopers investigated crashes in which 10 people were killed, while fatalities investigated by local law enforcement brought the statewide Labor Day traffic death toll to 15. Troopers also made 435 DUI arrests during the holiday period.
Georgia Department of Public Safety Commissioner Col. William W. Hitchens III is urging motorists to make safe driving decisions before getting behind the wheel. Drivers are encouraged to wear seat belts, obey posted speed limits, put phones and other distractions away and never drive impaired. Anyone planning to drink should arrange for a sober driver before the celebration begins.
Motorists should also allow additional travel time, maintain a safe following distance and use extra caution when traveling around large commercial vehicles. Children should be properly restrained in an appropriate child safety seat, and everyone in the vehicle should buckle up.
DPS says motorists should prepare for heavier traffic during portions of the holiday weekend. The busiest periods are projected to include Friday from noon until 8 p.m., Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m., and Labor Day Monday from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday is expected to have relatively little holiday traffic impact.
With the Labor Day weekend also coinciding with the opening of Georgia’s dove season on Saturday, many South Georgia residents may be traveling to gatherings, hunting fields and other holiday activities.
The safety message carries additional significance close to home. During Georgia’s 2026 Independence Day holiday travel period, GSP Post 16-Hazlehurst investigated one of the fatal crashes recorded across the state. Twelve people were killed statewide during that holiday travel period. DPS says motorists who encounter a crash or other emergency should call 911. Drivers can also report suspected impaired or reckless driving by calling *GSP.
As families make their Labor Day plans, state officials are asking everyone to do their part to make sure the holiday ends safely. Buckle up, slow down, put the phone away and never get behind the wheel impaired.
More information is available in the Georgia Department of Public Safety’s Labor Day safety announcement.
