Georgia Troopers and CVE Officers Stand Guard Over Labor Day Roads, Urging Safe Journeys

By Carol A. Gasser Moore |

ATLANTA — As thousands of Georgians prepare for one final summer send-off, the Georgia Department of Public Safety is intensifying enforcement on roadways this Labor Day weekend.

Georgia State Patrol (GSP) troopers and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE) officers — the division formerly known as the Motor Carrier Compliance Division — will conduct high-visibility patrols beginning 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, running through 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1, a 78‑hour enforcement blitz aimed at curbing dangerous driving behaviors.

“We want every family returning home safely,” said Colonel William W. Hitchens III, commissioner of the Department of Public Safety. “This weekend, we’re deploying even more officers on our highways and secondary roads to stop impaired driving, speeding, distracted drivers and seatbelt violations before tragedy strikes.” His warning comes as Georgia motorists gear up for heavy traffic and holiday celebrations.

This year marks a milestone: CVE’s first Labor Day patrols under its new name, following the rebranding effective July 1, 2025.

Last year’s Labor Day weekend was sobering. During the 2024 holiday period, troopers investigated more than 550 crashes, including nine fatal collisions and 13 deaths, while also reporting over 200 injuries. Across the state—when including local law enforcement—there were 16 fatal crashes with 20 fatalities. GSP also made over 480 DUI arrests.

This year, law enforcement is urging motorists to take proactive steps to safeguard their journey:

• Buckle up — seatbelts save lives.
• Follow the speed limit and traffic signals, especially through work zones.
• Don’t drive impaired — designate a sober driver or use a rideshare.
• Install child safety seats correctly — Georgia law requires proper restraints for children under eight.
• Avoid distractions — the state’s hands-free law bans hand‑held cell‑phone use while driving.
• Plan your trip, including key exits, rest stops, and traffic conditions.
• Perform a vehicle check — ensure tires, fluids, wipers, and cooling systems are in working order.
• Respect large trucks — do not cut them off or linger in blind spots; they need longer to brake.

AAA’s recent outlook adds context: travel costs for flights, hotels and car rentals are down compared to last year. Gas prices remain near 2021 averages, offering a small reprieve to travelers. However, beware of congestion: AAA and transportation analytics firm INRIX forecast peak travel delays on Friday, Aug. 29, between noon and 8 p.m., with similarly heavy traffic expected Saturday afternoon through evening, Sunday midday, and Monday afternoon.

The Georgia Department of Public Safety will post updates on traffic enforcement and incident counts across its social media channels throughout the weekend.

BOTTOM LINE: This Labor Day, Georgia’s troopers and CVE officers will be out in force—not to spoil the holiday, but to ensure your ride home ends in safety. A little preparation, a focus on the road, and responsible decisions can mean the difference between a joyful return and a devastating loss.