Crime & Safety
19 Traffic Accident-Related Deaths Over Fourth of July Weekend
The Georgia Department of Public Safety reports more fatalities in 2011 than 2010.
Nineteen people were killed in traffic accidents over the holiday weekend, according to the Georgia Department of Public Safety.
The Athens Banner-Herald reported the death of 49-year-old James Blankenship of Athens who wrecked his motorcycle along Epps Bridge Parkway on Saturday.
Of the 313 traffic accidents worked by posts in the 78 hours from the official start of the the Fourth of July weekend at 6 p.m. Friday until midnight Monday, there were 230 injuries and 14 deaths. There were 19 fatalities in the state with all agencies reporting. The final crash count statewide was not yet available as of 1 p.m. Tuesday.
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In 2010, 11 were killed in traffic accidents over the same holiday weekend.
The Georgia Department of Public Safety keeps a record of the total number of crashes, injuries and fatalities for the , July Fourth, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year holiday travel periods every year.
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