Georgia State Patrol provides safe driving tips for this Christmas weekend

ALBANY, Ga. – With Christmas coming this weekend, it means plenty of people are going to be taking to the road. And, we spoke with the Georgia State Patrol about some things to keep in mind if you’re hitting the road before the holiday.

We met with Post 40 State Trooper Kenneth Schlegel about keeping an eye out if you’re going to be one of the millions hitting the road the next few days.

“During the holidays and holiday travel, we want people to slow down, drive the speed limit and not be in a rush. Stay off their phones while they’re driving, wear their seatbelts, and not driving impaired… Again, though, we want people to just have a safe holiday. Put your cell phone down, cause you can’t hold your cell phone, can’t sit it in your lap if that phone pages. Pay attention to the road and the traffic conditions,” said Kenneth Schlegel, Trooper First Class, Georgia State Patrol Post 40.

According to AAA, more than 104 million people are hitting the road for the Christmas holiday…

It’s the highest total in the country since 2019.

And, with it as well comes concerns for those going elsewhere in the country, especially with the changes in temperature affecting the roads.

“You know, in south Georgia, we don’t really have much as far as icy roads. But, the further north we go, it’s getting colder, gonna have icy roads, watch out for that. Watch the weather… Always watch weather conditions, whether it’s rain, sleet or snow, combined with the higher volume of traffic and everything else,” said Kenneth Schlegel, Trooper First Class, Georgia State Patrol Post 40.

As well as the near record amount of drivers taking to the road over the holiday, there’s another concern to boot…

And, that being those who are driving under the influence.

Which the state patrol will be stepping up checkpoints throughout the rest of the year.

“If you are going to drink, obviously do not drive. Either have a designated driver, or have a way to get home safely. Georgia State Patrol, we will be out here, patrolling the cities, making sure to get impaired drivers off the roadway, keeping everybody safe… There will be more troopers on the roads, yes sir. We will be patrolling the highways and streets of the State of Georgia,” Kenneth Schlegel, Trooper First Class, Georgia State Patrol Post 40.

With the record number of drivers projected to be on the road over the next few days, the Georgia State Patrol wants people to keep these in mind and take just a little longer in order to get to their destinations safely.

The last time more people hit the road for the holiday season was in 2019, with 108 million people driving that year.

Brian Roche reporting.

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