The Georgia State Patrol is expecting heavy traffic over the Thanksgiving weekend this year.

According to a press release, Mark W. McDonough, Commissioner of Georgia Department of Public Safety, assures motorists that Georgia State Troopers will be on the roads in an effort to decrease traffic crashes, injuries and deaths. McDonough states, "We know from past experience that speed, alcohol and failing to use seat belts are the primary contributing factors in fatal crashes. By conducting concentrated patrols or holding road checks across the state, troopers, deputies and officers can intercept violators before they are involved in a serious traffic crash."

The Thanksgiving holiday officially begins on Wednesday, Nov. 21 and ends on Sunday, Nov. 25 at midnight.

The Georgia State Patrol reports that over the 2011 holiday weekend 466 traffic crashes across Georgia resulted in 303 injuries and 13 deaths. Four of these fatalities involved individuals that were not restrained and two of the fatal accidents involved alcohol.

This year officers will be concentrating on seat belt and child restraint violations as the holiday period is part of the nationwide effort "Click it or Ticket." McDonough urges drivers, "Seat belts save lives and in a crash they keep you from being thrown from the vehicle. Please take time to put your seat belt on and be sure that children are properly restrained as well." McDonough continues to say, "Anticipate traffic delays due to volume or crashes that block travel lanes, be prepared should rain make driving conditions hazardous."

According to the press release, the highest number of traffic deaths ever recorded over Thanksgiving holidays was 43 in 1969 and the lowest was four in 1949.