One dead, 85 arrested for DUI as Labor Day travel begins

ATLANTA — Labor Day travel is underway across Georgia, with one traffic death and 85 DUI arrests reported during the first 12 hours of the holiday travel period.

The Georgia Department of Public Safety said a pedestrian was killed overnight in Gwinnett County.

As of 6 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, authorities had also reported five crashes involving injuries since the 78-hour holiday travel period began at 6 p.m. Friday. The traffic count continues through 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7.

Two fatalities that won’t be included in the statewide traffic toll occurred in Northeast Georgia Friday morning. 62-year-old James Johnson of Lavonia died in a rear-end collision with a box truck at GA 365 and Demorest-Mt. Airy Highway. 80-year-old Wayne Voyles of Hull was killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 29 North near Talley Crossing in Athens-Clarke County.

Increased patrols

Georgia State Patrol troopers and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officers have increased patrols on interstates and secondary roads. Officers are focusing on impaired driving, speeding, seat belt violations, distracted driving, and other dangerous behavior.

“Labor Day weekend is a busy time on Georgia’s roadways. We encourage motorists to make safety a priority by buckling up, obeying speed limits, avoiding distractions, and designating a sober driver if consuming alcohol,” said Colonel William W. Hitchens, III, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety.

During the 2025 Labor Day travel period, troopers investigated 359 crashes that left 238 people injured and 10 dead. When crashes handled by local law enforcement agencies were included, 15 people died statewide.

Troopers also made 435 DUI arrests during last year’s holiday period.

Officials are urging motorists to wear seat belts, obey speed limits, put away their phones, and designate a sober driver if they plan to drink.

Motorists should call 911 for roadway emergencies or dial *GSP to report an impaired or reckless driver.