UPDATED: Seven Fatalities Reported So Far in Georgia This July Fourth Weekend

UPDATED: As at Saturday evening, there were seven fatalities reported in Georgia so far in the July Fourth travel weekend. Also reported at that time were 568 crashes and 258 injuries, according to the Georgia Department of Public Safety's website. The fatalities included two fatalities in one crash reported by GSP Rome, one reported by Atlanta police, one reported by Henry County Police and one reported by Carrollton Police, one reported by the Jones County Sheriff's Office and one reported by GSP in Swainsboro.

Original story

As at noon on July 5, there were two fatalities already recorded in Georgia - one reported by police in Henry County and another reported by Georgia State Patrol in Swainesboro. There were 256 accidents reported in the first 30-hour period registering 109 injuries. During the same period in 2012, there also were 2 fatalities reported, 151 accidents and 120 injuries.

For purposes of Georgia Public Safety Travel statistics, the July Fourth weekend covers the 102-hour period that began at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3, and ends at Midnight on Sunday, July 7.

The Fourth of July is routinely one of the deadliest days for motorists, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Officials also are advising revelers not to drink and drive, and to choose designated drivers.

To be sure the public understands the importance of safe this holiday, police departments are participating in Operation Zero Tolerance (OZT), Georgia’s high-visibility enforcement campaign that targets impaired drivers.

The first wave of OZT runs for a two-week period that includes the July Fourth travel period. Throughout the state, there will be concentrated patrols and checkpoints to get dangerous drivers off the road.

In addition, the Georgia State Patrol is participating in Operation C.A.R.E, or Combine Accident Reduction Effort. The national program conduct's patrols and educates the public on driving dangers. 

"Troopers and officers will not hesitate to arrest an impaired driver and tow their vehicle,” Col. Mark McDonough, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety, said in a press release. "If you see a driver that you suspect is impaired, notify law enforcement."

Patch Editor Joy Woodson contributed to this report.