State transportation officials say they're suspending construction-related lane closures during the upcoming holiday travel period.

The Georgia Department of Transportation says it'll suspend lane closures between 5 a.m. Wednesday and 10 p.m. Sunday on interstates, major state routes and roads near major shopping areas. The department says it'll give drivers the same reprieve during the Christmas and New Year's holiday travel periods as well.

Officials say the move doesn't include emergency lane closures and is meant to ease holiday traffic. GDOT officials say some crews may still be working near highways and some long-term lane closures may remain in place during the holidays for safety reasons.

Safe Driving Encouraged

Officials from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety are urging drivers to be careful and to use seat belts during the holiday travel period.

Officials say 20 people died during crashes during the Thanksgiving travel period in 2013, which ran from Nov. 27 to Dec. 1.

Authorities say the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that using a seat belt can cut the risk of fatalities among front seat passengers in traffic accidents by about 45 percent and can cut the risk of moderate to serious injury by 50 percent.

Officials say law enforcement throughout the state will be watching for drivers who aren't using seat belts during the holiday travel period and a "Click it or Ticket" campaign will continue through Nov. 30.

Tags: lane closures suspended, halted lane closures during the holidays, seat belts, seatbelt safety, better driving habits, holiday driving