Dept. of Natural Resources Advises Safety over Memorial Day Weekend

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers along with the Georgia and South Carolina Departments of Natural Resources held a press conference yesterday to advise everyone to be safe on the water and road this Memorial Day weekend.

Director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Harris Blackwood said that as of yesterday morning, 554 people have been killed on the roads in the state of Georgia. He said that during Memorial Day weekend, the risk is even higher due to increased travel.

“That’s entirely too many and while that’s better than last year, it’s not enough for us to be excited about,” said Blackwood. “In fact, we won’t be excited until that number is down to zero. Last year, 12 people were killed on the roads of the state of Georgia during the Memorial Day holiday weekend. We want that number also to be zero.”

Blackwood also said that during the holiday weekend, everyone should think ahead if they plan to drink alcohol and have designated drivers.

Commissioner of Public Safety Colonel Mark McDonough said there are a few things you can do to ensure safer travels during this holiday weekend.

“There’s a few basic things on this holiday season that we’re asking you to do,” said McDonough. “One, buckle your seat belt. That’s the number one thing you can do to keep yourself and your family safe. Two, leave enough time in your travels. Don’t try to make up time on the roadway. Plan your outings to give yourself enough time to abide by the speed limits. And the third thing is when you’re transitioning from the roadway to the waterway, don’t drink and drive.”

It’s also important to be safe out on the water this weekend and the rest of the summer.

Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Weaver with the Department of Natural Resources said there have been 16 boating fatalities per year over the last five years in Georgia, and 75 percent of those fatality victims weren’t wearing a life jacket. He explained how important wearing a life jacket is while on the water.

“Wear your life jacket,” said Weaver. “As you’ve heard that seat belts save your life in a vehicle, out there on the waterway, a life jacket will save your life. Nobody’s invincible. We hear all kinds of excuses about life jackets, but I’ve got news for you. When you’re in the water for an extended period of time, fatigue sets in. If you’re knocked unconscious during the incident, what’s going to happen without that life jacket?”

For more information about boating safety, visit the Department of Natural Resources website at www.gadnr.org.