December 20th, 2022 – 4:50 PM
The Georgia State Patrol –
As the Christmas and New Year’s holidays rapidly approach, Georgia State Patrol (GSP) Troopers and Motor Carrier Compliance (MCCD) Officers across the state are preparing for the back-to-back holiday weekends and will conduct high visibility patrols on the heaviest travel days to remind motorists to drive safely.
This year’s Christmas holiday travel period begins Friday, December 23, at 6 p.m., and ends Monday, December 26, at 11:59 p.m. The New Year’s holiday travel period gets underway Friday, December 30, at 6:00 p.m., and ends at 11:59 p.m., on Monday, January 2, 2023. Both are 78 hours long.
“We want everyone to enjoy the holiday season with family and friends; however, we want all motorists to make safety a priority when traveling on Georgia’s roadways,” said Colonel Chris. C. Wright, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS). “Drivers should obey the posted speed limit, avoid distractions, drive sober, wear seatbelts and ensure children are properly restrained, as well as be courteous to other drivers,” added Colonel Wright.
AAA estimates 112.7 million people will journey 50 miles or more away from home from December 23 to January 2. In addition to increased traffic, the end of the year is also the time when Troopers and Officers see an increase in the number of impaired drivers on Georgia’s roads.
“I encourage all to plan holiday activities wisely. Choose a designated driver before you celebrate; and if you plan to drive, please do not drink, Colonel Wright said.” Last year’s Christmas holiday travel period resulted in 195 drivers being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), and 254 drivers were arrested during the New Year’s holiday for the same offense. If you are caught driving impaired, you will be arrested.”
Best & Worst Times to Travel by Car
| CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY | ||
| 12/23/22 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Before 2:00 PM, after 8:00 PM |
| 12/24/22 | 12:00 – 6:00 PM | Before 11:00 AM, after 7:00 PM |
| 12/25/22 Minimal Traffic Expected | ||
| 12/26/22 | 2:00 – 6:00 PM | Before 12:00 PM, after 7:00 PM |
| 12/27/22 | 3:00 –7:00 PM | Before 2:00 PM, after 8:00 PM |
| 12/28/22 | 3:00 –7:00 PM | Before 2:00 PM, after 8:00 PM |
| 12/29/22 | 3:00 –7:00 PM | Before 2:00 PM, after 8:00 PM |
| 12/30/22 | 3:00 –7:00 PM | Before 2:00 PM, after 8:00 PM |
| NEW YEAR’S HOLIDAY | ||
| 12/30/22 | 3:00 –7:00 PM | Before 2:00 PM, after 8:00 PM |
| 12/31/22 Minimal Traffic Expected | ||
| 1/1/23 Minimal Traffic Expected | ||
| 1/2/23 | 4:00 –7:00 PM | Before 3:00 PM, after 8:00 PM |