ATLANTA, Ga. — Georgia’s Memorial Day holiday travel death toll has climbed to six as millions of travelers continue hitting the roads across the state for the busy holiday weekend.
The Georgia Department of Public Safety said the 78-hour Memorial Day holiday travel period began at 6 p.m. Friday, May 22, and runs through midnight Monday, May 25.
As of 6 a.m. Sunday, May 24, six people had died in crashes statewide during the holiday period. Overnight, DUI arrests across Georgia also rose from 89 to 185, according to the Department of Public Safety.
Fatal crashes
The latest deadly crash happened in Burke County, where the Burke County Sheriff’s Office investigated a single-vehicle crash involving a vehicle that struck a tree on Georgia Highway 56 South at Pine Hill Church Road. Three people were killed in the crash.
Earlier in the weekend, authorities investigated two fatal crashes Friday morning.
In Bibb County, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office investigated a single-vehicle crash involving a pedestrian fatality.
In Newton County, deputies investigated a two-vehicle crash involving a commercial motor vehicle that killed one person.
By Friday evening, the holiday death toll rose to three after a fatal crash in Walton County. Georgia State Patrol Post 46 in Monroe investigated a single-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 78 at Cedar Ridge Road.
Increased patrols statewide
With Memorial Day marking the unofficial start of summer travel, Georgia State Patrol troopers and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officers have increased patrols statewide. Officers are focusing on speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, seat belt violations and other dangerous driving behaviors.
During the 2025 Memorial Day holiday period, the Georgia State Patrol investigated 331 crashes that resulted in 120 injuries and six deaths. Troopers and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officers also arrested 400 people for driving under the influence during last year’s holiday weekend.
“Memorial Day is a time to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country,” said Col. William W. Hitchens III, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety. “We want everyone celebrating the holiday weekend to do so responsibly and safely so that all Georgians and those visiting our state can return home to their loved ones.”
Safety reminders
The Department of Public Safety is reminding drivers to never drive impaired, avoid distractions behind the wheel, wear seat belts, obey speed limits and move over for emergency vehicles and roadside workers.
According to AAA, an estimated 39.1 million people are expected to travel by car nationwide during the Memorial Day weekend, slightly more than last year.
