Less Traffic Accidents This Thanksgiving is Expected in Georgia

Experts from the travel industry expect a decline in travel this Thanksgiving.  This for the first time since 2002.  Even though there has been a recent fall in gas prices, higher airline tickets prices have fewer people flying.

Gasoline prices in Georga average about  a $1.70 per gallon, and while declining economic conditions are expected to keep more people at home this Thanksgiving, the lower prices may motivate many to make a last minute decision to visit friends and relatives.

Aviation officials say ten percent fewer people are flying this holiday.  This may be because of higher ticket prices. "Airfares are up this year we're up about 15 to 20 percent more than we were last year," says Southwest Georgia Regional Airport Director.

About 33.2 million Americans are expected to travel by car this weekend according to AAA.  Athough this may sound like alot its a decrease of 400,000 motorists from last year. "Speed is a factor in many accidents and you greatly decrease your chance of having an accident if you don't speed.  Of course wear your seat belt if you do have an accident this will greatly decrease your chance of injury if your are in an accident " says Captain of the Dougherty County Police Department.

As the holiday season begins law enforcement reminds you not to drink and drive and if you do drink, designate a driver.   There will be plenty of law enforcement patrolling this weekend.  The big travel day tends to be Sunday  because most people are returning home at the same time.  Last Thanksgiving there were more than 3,000  traffic crashes in Georgia during the holiday travel period. Of that number more than a thousand people were injured and twenty seven people were killed. This according to an article of Walb news.