ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Labor Day marks one of the country’s busiest travel periods — which is why Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) leaders gathered Tuesday morning to share tips on how to navigate the roads.

This year’s travel period is from 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, to midnight on Monday, Sept. 7. The heaviest congestion is expected on Thursday from 2-7 p.m. and all day Friday.

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During this time last year, 15 people died in Georgia traffic accidents, according to Crystal Zion, director of the DPS’ Public Information Office. Out of 359 crashes, 238 injuries were also reported.

“We would love to be able to say, one holiday period, that we had zero fatalities. That would be perfect for us,” she said. “We would love not to have to go visit anybody’s home and tell them their loved one was lost on the Labor Day holiday period.”

Watch the full news conference:

Zion encouraged the public to leave for their destination early and give others on the road a break.

“I know you want to get to your destination. I really do. But I ask that you have a little patience for your fellow drivers,” she said. “Let them in. What does it hurt to let them merge? Let’s not cut them off. Let’s slow down a little bit.”

She added that more law enforcement officers will be on the roads than usual, watching out for drunk, distracted or aggressive drivers and seat belt or child seat violations.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, almost 40% of deadly crashes during Labor Day holiday weekend travel in Georgia from 2020 to 2024 involved a drunk driver. Zion advised planning ahead for drinking, whether it be taking public transit, ordering a rideshare or designating a sober driver.

Officials also reminded the public of Georgia’s Move Over Law, which requires drivers to move over one lane or slow down when approaching an emergency vehicle with flashing lights on the shoulder of the road.

According to AAA, Atlanta is expected to be the 10th most popular domestic destination for Labor Day travel, with the top three slots taken by Seattle, Orlando and Boston.

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