AUGUSTA, Ga. () – Following several fatal accidents in recent weeks, both law enforcement and the Georgia Department of Transportation are stressing the importance of adhering to traffic regulations as summer approaches.

The hotter months are just around the corner, which means the roads are about to get even busier.

But law enforcement is warning the public after seeing an uptick in traffic violations. 

“One prevalent issue I’ve observed in Richmond and Columbia Counties while driving is that drivers tend to ignore slowing down for yellow lights,” stated RCSO Captain Mike Lewis. “When the light turns yellow, it shouldn’t be seen as an indication to speed up to cross the intersection.”

Recently, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has dealt with three fatal accidents, including a tragic incident on Peach Orchard Road that claimed the life of 8-year-old Camden Poole.

The Georgia Department of Transportation says the summertime also brings a higher chance of crashes in work zones.

“We have a lot more road construction and highway maintenance happening in the summer months, so our crews are out on the roads more often, and you have greater chance of work zone crashes as a result of that,” said District 2 Communications Specialist Will Volk.

Data from GDOT shows nearly 100 deadly crashes happened across the CSRA last year alone.

The more common causes are following too close and failing to yield—that’s why they and law enforcement are sharing important tips so you can stay safe. 

“Avoid distracted driving, put the cell phone down—that’s a big one. Taking your eyes off the road even for a few seconds can cause someone to suddenly break. If you don’t see that, you can rear-end somebody,” Volk said.

“Green light means go, yellow light means slow down, and red means stop. If more people did that, it would cut down a lot on our vehicle accidents, and especially would cut down on our fatalities as well,” said Lewis.

Volk added, “Most crashes are preventable. So, when you’re behind the wheel and you’re thinking about doing these dangerous driving behaviors, just think. These kinds of things can send somebody to the hospital, or could send somebody to the funeral home. Are you okay with that? Make sure you ask yourself that question before you do these things.”

Law enforcement says it’s also a critical time to follow the rules of the road, as the “100 Deadliest Days” for teen drivers starts in less than 2 weeks.