1M+ Georgians expected on roads this week, GDOT eases traffic with lane closure suspensions
Lieutenant Scott Davis says 99% of car crashes could be prevented by taking basic safety precautions.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Thanksgiving travel week is upon us! Whether you’re going over the river or through the woods, there are steps you can take to prepare for a safe trip before you hit the road.
With more than one million Georgians expected to travel during the week of Thanksgiving, according to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, it’s important for drivers to know what steps they can take to arrive at their destination safely.
According to Lt. Scott Davis at the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Division, safe driving is all about courtesy.
“Being courteous in the fact that you are allowing other people to travel the same roadway with you,” Lt. Davis said. “That has an expectation of being able to travel safely.”
He says 99% of car crashes could be prevented by taking basic safety precautions.
Things like obeying the posted speed limit, wearing a seat belt, avoiding distracted driving and planning your trip in advance can make the roadways safer not just for motorists but also for pedestrians and emergency responders.
The Director of Communications for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), Gina Snider, says defensive driving and staying alert are also key to preventing an accident.
“You should always have your eyes on the road, because you could take them off for a few seconds and something happen,” Snider said.
It’s against state law for drivers to have a phone in their hand or touching any part of their body.
Snider advises drivers to be mindful of peak traffic times and road closures before they start their trip, and drive with caution through construction zones and in inclement weather.
If you see an emergency responder, move over to the next lane or be prepared to stop if traffic is too heavy to merge.
“I know during the holidays, everyone’s in a rush,” Snider said. “Everyone’s trying to get to where they need to go to family and friends. We want you to get there safely.”
GDOT is suspending its lane closures beginning Wednesday at 5 a.m. through Sunday at 10 p.m. to accommodate increased traffic.
You can find turn-by-turn navigation and real time travel updates by visiting 511ga.org or by downloading the 511 app. Anyone in need of roadside assistance can call 511 to request free service anywhere in the state from GDOT’s CHAMP Program.
