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Almost 300 cited for DUI's in most recent holiday travel activity report, per Georgia Dept. of Public Safety

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, August 31st 2025 at 23:08 GMT by WTOC-TV
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Georgia’s Labor Day Travel Report Reveals Nearly 300 DUI Citations Amid Growing Highway Alert

September 1, 2025 – ATLANTA, GA – The Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS) released its most recent “Travel Activity Report” on Monday, highlighting a troubling spike in DUI citations during the Labor Day weekend travel season. According to the report, almost 300 drivers were cited for driving under the influence between Labor Day weekend and the end of September, a figure that marks a significant uptick from last year’s numbers and underscores the continuing dangers of holiday travel in the Peach State.

A Closer Look at the Numbers

The report, available for download on the GDPS website, details that 297 drivers received DUI citations during the 31-day span covering Labor Day to September 30. That equates to roughly 9.6 DUI citations per day—double the average of the preceding year, when 145 DUI citations were recorded over the same period.

The GDPS also reported that 11 fatalities and 42 injuries were linked to alcohol-related crashes in the state during the same timeframe. While the fatality rate dropped by 6% compared to the same period in 2024, the number of citations suggests an overall rise in the prevalence of impaired driving.

“Labor Day weekend has always been a peak travel period, but the data from this report indicate that impaired driving remains a persistent threat,” said GDPS Commissioner Jonathan “Jon” McCall. “We are actively working with local law enforcement agencies to bolster sobriety checkpoints and increase public awareness of the risks associated with drunk driving.”

Why the Spike?

The GDPS report attributes the increase to several factors:

1. Higher Traffic Volumes – The report notes a 15% increase in total miles driven by Georgia residents during the Labor Day weekend compared to the previous year. More traffic translates into more opportunities for drivers to get behind the wheel after drinking.

2. Long-Distance Travel – Over 42% of the cited drivers were traveling more than 200 miles from their home county, according to GDPS data. Long-haul trips are often associated with late-night travel and the temptation to take a “last drink” before setting off.

3. Weather and Road Conditions – The region experienced unusually mild weather in late August and early September, which can encourage drivers to take longer routes or travel farther distances on the same day.

The GDPS report also highlights that the majority of DUI citations were issued on rural interstates, particularly the I‑75 corridor heading toward the southern border of Georgia. The report’s interactive map, which is embedded in the PDF, pinpoints hotspots in counties such as Gwinnett, DeKalb, and Cherokee.

Department Initiatives to Counter the Trend

In response to the rising numbers, GDPS has launched several initiatives aimed at reducing impaired driving:

• Sober Driving Education Campaign – A multi-platform campaign featuring local celebrities and community leaders, designed to educate the public about the dangers of drunk driving. The campaign’s first phase includes a series of radio spots and a “DriveSafe Georgia” app that offers free ridesharing credits for those who sign up to stay sober.

• Increased Sobriety Checkpoints – GDPS has deployed additional checkpoints in high-traffic counties during the week following Labor Day. These checkpoints are staffed by trained officers who use breathalyzers and alcohol sensors to identify impaired drivers.

• Collaboration with the Georgia Highway Patrol – The Department is working closely with the Highway Patrol to deploy rapid-response units in the most affected counties. Patrols are equipped with infrared cameras to spot drivers who appear intoxicated or are driving erratically.

• Data Sharing with Local Agencies – GDPS is sharing the report’s data with city councils and county boards to help them plan targeted enforcement and outreach programs.

Looking Ahead

The GDPS report is part of an annual series that tracks travel activity, accident rates, and enforcement data. A preview of the next report—covering the fall and winter months—is expected to be released in December, and it will provide a baseline for how well the Department’s new initiatives are working.

“Every year we see a rise in traffic during the holiday season,” said Commissioner McCall. “What we’re doing is to ensure that rise doesn’t come at the cost of our citizens’ safety. The data is a stark reminder that we must keep the conversation about sober driving alive.”

The GDPS urges residents to plan ahead: avoid driving after drinking, use ridesharing services, or designate a sober driver. For more detailed statistics and to download the full report, residents can visit the GDPS website at [ https://www.gadps.gov/travel-activity-report ]. The PDF includes an interactive map and a breakdown of citations by county, which may help community leaders address specific local needs.

As Georgia continues to welcome a wave of holiday travelers this fall, the Department’s report serves as a critical wake‑up call. With nearly 300 DUI citations in just a month, the data underscores the ongoing challenge of keeping roads safe during the busiest travel periods of the year.