State officials urge safety on waterways, roadways this summer

ATLANTA - Georgia law enforcement agencies urged motorists and boaters to buckle up this summer.

During a press conference on Thursday, they said they are stepping up enforcement this Memorial Day holiday weekend. It's all a part of their summer 2017 safety tour.

Law enforcement holds the event every year as there is an uptick in boating and car accidents around this time.

Officers have a few tips for Georgians heading out on the water and the roads this holiday weekend.

“Keep it simple. Wear your seat belt. Watch your speed. Make sure that your attention is on the roadway and not on this device that seems to drive our lives. You know, put it aside,” said Colonel Mark McDonough, Georgia State Patrol

McDonough said these tips are important because the number of people who have died in traffic crashes in Georgia has jumped by more than 30 percent in the last two years.

Law enforcement has also seen a rise in the number of drownings and boating incidents last year as well.