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Thanksgiving Traffic Violations Spike in Georgia and Nationally

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 16:20 GMT by WSB-TV
      Locales: Georgia, UNITED STATES

ATLANTA, GA - February 23rd, 2026 - Georgia State Troopers are reporting hundreds of driving violations already this Thanksgiving holiday weekend, echoing a worrying national trend of increased traffic incidents accompanying major holiday travel periods. While the Georgia State Patrol's efforts are currently focused on ensuring safety within state lines, experts suggest this uptick in unsafe driving behavior isn't isolated, and may signify deeper issues regarding driver behavior and road safety protocols.

According to Sergeant Jeff Allen of the Georgia State Patrol, troopers are actively increasing patrols, establishing checkpoints, and working overtime to address the surge in violations. "We're seeing a lot of people on the roads, and we're also seeing a lot of unsafe driving behavior," Allen stated, mirroring concerns shared by law enforcement agencies across the country. Current violations primarily involve speeding, driving under the influence (DUI), and seatbelt infractions - the "fatal four" contributing factors in a significant percentage of serious and fatal crashes.

Initial data from Georgia suggests a potential for even more incidents compared to previous years. This isn't just a matter of increased traffic volume, though that is undoubtedly a contributing factor. Pre-pandemic, Thanksgiving travel was relatively stable. However, since 2022, we've observed consistent year-over-year increases in holiday travel, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. This surge, coupled with a potential relaxation of safety consciousness following extended periods of pandemic-related restrictions, appears to be fueling the increase in risky driving habits.

Beyond Georgia, states like Florida, Texas, and California have also reported heightened traffic enforcement activity and a corresponding rise in citations during recent holiday weekends. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is expected to release comprehensive data next month, but preliminary reports indicate a 15% increase in traffic fatalities nationally during the 2025 holiday season compared to 2024. This is a deeply concerning trend, especially considering advancements in vehicle safety technology.

Experts point to several factors contributing to this heightened risk. The increasing popularity of "staycations" during the pandemic led to a perceived decrease in driving overall, potentially resulting in some drivers becoming less accustomed to long-distance travel and highway conditions. Furthermore, the growing normalization of distracted driving - fueled by smartphone use and in-car infotainment systems - continues to be a major problem. Despite laws prohibiting texting while driving, enforcement remains challenging, and drivers frequently engage in other distracting activities.

The issue of impaired driving also persists. While campaigns against drunk driving have been successful in raising awareness, the rise of legalized cannabis in many states adds another layer of complexity. Determining impairment levels from cannabis is more challenging than with alcohol, and law enforcement agencies are still adapting to the new legal landscape.

So what can be done? Law enforcement officials are urging drivers to plan ahead, allow for extra travel time, and prioritize safety. This includes getting adequate rest before a long trip, avoiding distractions, and never driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Advocates are also calling for increased investment in infrastructure improvements, particularly on heavily traveled corridors, and for more robust driver education programs that emphasize safe driving practices.

Furthermore, the role of vehicle technology is being re-examined. While features like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning systems can help mitigate accidents, they are not foolproof and drivers should not rely on them entirely. There's also a growing debate about the potential for mandatory installation of Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) in new vehicles, which use cameras and sensors to detect driver drowsiness and distraction. However, privacy concerns remain a significant hurdle to widespread adoption.

The Thanksgiving holiday, while a time for celebration and family gatherings, consistently represents a period of increased risk on our nation's roadways. The current trend of rising violations and potential fatalities demands a concerted effort from law enforcement, policymakers, and drivers themselves to prioritize safety and ensure that everyone arrives at their destination safely.