AUGUSTA, Ga. () – It’s now the unofficial start to summer, but it’s also the start of the 100 deadliest days in Georgia.

Local law enforcement is getting ready for one of the busiest times of the year for travel. 

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has responded to several deadly accidents so far this year.

With the start of the 100 deadliest days, they’re joining other agencies to increase their resources to make sure you’re safe behind the wheel. 

This year, in 2025, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has dealt with 17 fatal accidents. Captain Mike Lewis notes that 15 of these incidents occurred in South Augusta.

“Several factors have contributed, such as alcohol use and attempts to run traffic lights, along with distracted driving. A range of issues is at play here,” remarked Captain Mike Lewis.

One of those happened over the weekend on Deans Bridge Road, leading to the death of a 23-year-old Augusta man. 

Another on Peach Orchard Road a few weeks ago killed 8-year-old Camden Poole.

“We anticipate that increasing traffic enforcement will encourage adherence to traffic laws, potentially reducing the fatality numbers we are currently seeing,” Lewis continued. “Moreover, we’ve reached out to GSP, and they have been present in South Augusta twice upon our request this month. They will also return in June to conduct joint enforcement with us.”

That’s why they’re sending more patrol cars to that area in an effort to decrease the number of crashes.

They’re also working with Georgia State Patrol to make that area safer. 

“We’re not particularly out looking to write citations—it’s more of a warning to get people aware of these 100 deadly days of the summer to try to get them to comply,” said Lewis.

In Burke County, Major Brandon Reeves says they have seen a decrease in deadly crashes in recent years.

He says partnering with Burke County schools has given them the chance to teach young drivers how to stay safe on the roads. 

“That’s our future. Every life we can save is important, and that’s what we’re here to do,” said Reeves. “For your older drivers, it’s pretty much a habit. But if we can basically ward off that bad behavior from the beginning, our chances greatly increase on not having to have an encounter with them on the enforcement side of things.”

It’s also been more than a year since the Sheriff’s Office installed speed zone cameras by Burke County High School.

They say it could be another way to help young drivers stay safe this summer. 

“I think it does, and I think people are realizing that those cameras are there. Even though school is out, they’re wondering if they’re active or not active—but they’re slowing down anyway in that area,” said Col. Chad Pleuger.

To make sure you’re safe on the roads, law enforcement is urging you to wear your seatbelt, and do not drive if you’re under the influence of alcohol.

For teen drivers, they also recommend parents to have a curfew for them, or to limit the number of passengers they’re driving.