Memorial Day travel period brings increased patrols on Georgia roads and waterways

Officials urge drivers to buckle up and boaters to wear life jackets ahead of busy holiday weekend

CORDELE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – With summer getting closer, state and local agencies are stepping up patrols on highways and waterways.

Allen Poole with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety says the goal is to keep drivers safe during the busy holiday weekend.

Officials say 14 people were killed during last year’s Memorial Day travel period in Georgia a reminder of how dangerous the holiday weekend can be.

“We found out that being buckled up will save many lives,” Poole said. “And all we ask you to do is make sure when you get ready to get behind the wheel of that car, put your phone down, drive the speed limit. That’s why you got speed limit signs out there. If you obey the laws that’s in place, it will protect you and save your life.”

Chris Hodge with the Department of Natural Resources says safety on the water is just as important as the roads.

Officials say there were 66 drownings and 10 boating deaths in Georgia last year.

“Boating under the influence is a serious crime,” Hodges said. “It has so many implications and can cause so many lives. It is illegal just as driving on the roads is illegal. Driving a vehicle under the influence, we have boating laws that pretty much mirror what the driving laws are for the state limits; if you are .08 or higher you will be charged with BUI.”

Game wardens say wearing a life jacket and keeping alcohol away from the operator can be the difference between life and death this holiday weekend.