Labor Day Travel Update

State officials are reporting that seven people have died on Georgia highways so far this Labor Day holiday weekend.

The holiday travel period started at 6 p.m. and runs through midnight tonight.

Out of those seven fatalities, the Georgia State Patrol has investigated four of those fatalities, while the other three were worked by metro Atlanta law enforcement agencies.

Law enforcement urges drivers to use caution when traveling this weekend.

Last year during a similar travel period, troopers investigated 473 traffic crashes over the Labor Day weekend that resulted in 285 injuries and six fatalities. In addition to traffic crash investigations, troopers arrested 234 people for driving under the influence.

The Georgia Department of Public Safety says state and local law enforcement will be out looking for impaired drivers.

Also, motorists are urged to wear seat belts, obey the speed limits, avoid distracted driving, be courteous to other drivers, properly install and use child safety seats, and do not leave children or pets in hot cars.

Meanwhile, the Georgia Department of Transportation has stopped all construction-related lane closures on interstates and state routes through 5 a.m. Tuesday.

However, the DOT says drivers should be careful since incident management or emergency, maintenance-related lane closures could become necessary at any time on any route.

Also, for traffic information in Georgia, the DOT urges motorists to call 511 or visit www.511ga.org.

511 is a free phone call across the state.