Labor Day weekend saw fewer Georgia traffic deaths in 2017

Nine people were killed in traffic crashes in Georgia during the 78-hour Labor Day weekend travel period, according to the official count from the Georgia Department of Public Safety.

Last year, Georgia state troopers investigated nearly 500 crashes over the holiday period, which resulted in 8,225 tickets, 274 injuries and 10 deaths.

Four fatalities were investigated by state troopers, with another five investigated by local law enforcement agencies. The Atlanta Police Department, Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office, Forest Park Police Department and Marietta Police Department were the local departments that investigated deaths.

The Georgia State Patrol said it investigated 398 crashes, resulting in 206 injuries plus the four fatalities.

Nearly 250 people were arrested for driving under the influence, 8,193 tickets were written and 11,420 warnings were given.

Between 300-500 people have perished in auto accidents in the U.S. over the holiday period for every year since 1995. On average, about 90 people die from automobile accidents every day in the U.S, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

This story was originally published September 5, 2017 at 3:17 PM with the headline "Labor Day weekend saw fewer Georgia traffic deaths in 2017."