18 Killed, 500 Injured In Crashes On Independence Day Weekend: GSP

GEORGIA — The Fourth of July holiday travel period was a busy one for state and local authorities who responded to several crashes that killed 18 people and injured more than 500 people.

Authorities across Georgia responded to 12 fatal crashes during the holiday travel period, which began at 6 p.m., July 3, and ended at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, the Georgia State Patrol said.

Police departments in Albany, Columbia County, Columbus, DeKalb County, Floyd County and Henry County all responded to crashes, the GSP said. Troopers investigated 12 fatal crashes while local law-enforcement agencies investigated six crashes, the GSP said.

Troopers responded to at least 500 traffic crashes that resulted in at least 500 injuries, the GSP said.

A breakdown of agency crash fatality reports is as follows, per the GSP:

Troopers and officers with the Motor Carrier Compliance Division conducted more than 18,000 traffic stops, the GSP said. More than 500 people were arrested and charged on suspicion of driving under the influence, the GSP said.

As for tickets, at least 19,400 citations were issued and more than 23,000 warnings were given in Georgia, the GSP said.