News Summary
Law enforcement agencies in Georgia and South Carolina are ramping up efforts for a safe Labor Day weekend as travel volume increases. With previous years showing high rates of impaired driving, officials are enhancing checkpoints and patrols to mitigate risks. In addition, the Georgia Department of Transportation has suspended lane closures to facilitate smoother travel. Despite challenges such as a cyberattack impacting food assistance, a decrease in traffic fatalities this year offers a hopeful outlook for road users. Authorities emphasize the importance of safe driving practices during the busy holiday period.
Augusta, Georgia – Law enforcement agencies in Georgia and South Carolina are preparing for a busy Labor Day weekend as Americans plan their last summer getaway. With anticipated increased traffic, state officials are prioritizing traveler safety by increasing enforcement efforts to combat impaired and unsafe driving behaviors.
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety expects a significant surge in road activity during the holiday weekend. In 2024, six fatal collisions occurred over Labor Day weekend in South Carolina, with three of those fatalities related to impaired driving. Authorities emphasize that dangerous driving remains a critical issue, highlighting a current statistic that reveals three people die daily in the state due to unsafe driving practices.
In Georgia, the State Patrol is equally vigilant. Historical data shows that over 550 crashes and 20 fatalities were reported during the Labor Day holiday travel period last year, alongside more than 480 DUI arrests. Notably, authorities in Richmond County have indicated that more than 60% of traffic deaths result from impaired driving, reinforcing their zero-tolerance stance on DUI offenses.
As part of their safety initiatives, law enforcement in Aiken County hosted a checkpoint under the annual Hands Across the Border campaign, which underscores cooperation between Georgia and South Carolina for enhancing roadway safety. During recent saturation patrols in Aiken County, law enforcement reported 11 traffic citations, 66 warnings, five arrests—including apprehending wanted suspects—and the recovery of drugs and a stolen firearm. The increase in checkpoints and saturation missions is a direct response to community concerns regarding road safety.
While traffic safety is a priority, Georgia is also dealing with a separate issue impacting residents during this holiday period. Due to a cyberattack nearly a month ago, the state’s SNAP benefits call center hotline is still down, restricting access to essential food assistance funds during a busy travel time.
Despite challenges, South Carolina has reported a decrease in traffic fatalities this year, with 542 deaths as of late August—a significant reduction of 133 fatalities compared to the same period in the previous year. This trend is a positive indicator, but officials stress that vigilance is necessary, especially as traffic volumes increase during the holiday weekend.
To facilitate smoother travel, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has announced the suspension of all lane closures on state interstates starting Friday at noon until Tuesday at 5 a.m. Travel infrastructure improvements, particularly on the I-20 Savannah River bridge, are also anticipated to help alleviate congestion and enhance safety during high-traffic times.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) predicts that U.S. airports will experience record-breaking travel this Labor Day, estimating 17.4 million travelers will go through security screenings during the holiday period. This surge in air travel will parallel the increased road traffic, necessitating heightened safety measures on both fronts.
Lastly, law enforcement agencies across both states have rolled out specialized vehicles focused on monitoring and targeting aggressive driving. These initiatives are supported by a $1.2 million grant under the Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic (HEAT) program, demonstrating a commitment to reducing roadway risks as more travelers hit the roads and the skies this weekend.
Travelers are urged to prioritize safe driving practices as they embark on their holiday plans. Authorities are prepared to enforce safety measures and protect the lives of all road users as the Labor Day weekend approaches.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Labor Day Travel Tips
- Google Search: Labor Day Travel Safety
- WFXG: I-20 Savannah River Bridge Upgrades
- Google Scholar: Traffic Safety Measures
- Augusta Free Press: Highway Work Zones for Labor Day
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- Augusta Chronicle: Tools to Combat Unsafe Driving
- Google News: Traffic Fatalities
- The Augusta Press: New Vehicles for Traffic Enforcement
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
