Georgia drivers are facing a road safety crisis, according to a new analysis of 2023 data by John Foy & Associates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Of the 40,901 motor vehicle fatalities nationwide, Georgia accounted for 1,615. More than one in four of those deaths occurred in just five counties: DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb, and Richmond.
The data points to a troubling mix of risk factors: alcohol, speeding, nighttime driving, and widespread failure to wear seatbelts or helmets.
The Five Counties at the Heart of the Problem
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DeKalb County – 151 fatalities
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Fulton County – 112 fatalities
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Gwinnett County – 67 fatalities
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Cobb County – 54 fatalities
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Richmond County – 52 fatalities
Combined, these five counties accounted for 436 deaths in 2023, highlighting their outsized role in Georgia’s road fatality statistics.
Who Is Most at Risk?
The study found that:
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Men made up 70% of fatalities, consistent with risky behavior trends.
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25–34-year-olds were the most at-risk group (22% of deaths).
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35–64-year-olds comprised 43% of fatalities.
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16–24-year-olds made up 17%.
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65+ adults accounted for 14%.
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Children under 16 represented just 3.5% of fatalities.
These numbers highlight that adults in their peak working and social years face the greatest danger, especially during nighttime driving.
Nighttime: The Deadliest Hours
Night driving accounted for 71% of fatalities across the five counties. DeKalb County stood out with 112 nighttime deaths, representing 74% of its total.
Factors such as fatigue, reduced visibility, and impaired driving all contribute to heightened nighttime danger.
Alcohol: A Persistent Killer
Drunk driving remains a consistent factor in Georgia crashes:
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28% of fatalities in the five counties involved a driver with a BAC of 0.08 or higher.
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DeKalb led with 45 alcohol-related fatalities.
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Fulton (31), Gwinnett (20), Richmond (15), and Cobb (13) also posted troubling figures.
Speeding: A Fulton County Hotspot
While speeding accounted for 20% of total fatalities, Fulton County posted the highest share at 31%. DeKalb, Gwinnett, Cobb, and Richmond all fell below the national speeding fatality average (29%).
Seatbelt and Helmet Use: A Preventable Tragedy
Perhaps the most concerning statistic involves seatbelt and helmet use. Nationally, just 8.1% of traffic fatalities involve unrestrained victims. In Georgia’s five most dangerous counties, the numbers were exponentially higher:
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Fulton: 48%
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Cobb: 42.9%
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Gwinnett: 35.3%
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Richmond: 33.3%
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DeKalb: 29.8%
“These numbers are shocking,” said a spokesperson for John Foy & Associates. “Nearly half of the people who died in Fulton County crashes weren’t wearing seatbelts or helmets. That’s a preventable tragedy.”
Urban Influence
Atlanta (DeKalb/Fulton), Augusta (Richmond), and suburban hubs like Lawrenceville, Marietta, and Sandy Springs all contribute to concentrated crash risk due to population density, nightlife, and commuting challenges.
Georgia vs. National Picture
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Drunk Driving: Near U.S. average (30%)
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Speeding: Below U.S. average (29%), except Fulton (31%)
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Unbelted: Far above U.S. average (8.1%), with some Georgia counties exceeding 40%
DeKalb: Georgia’s Deadliest County
DeKalb ranked worst overall, with the most fatalities, most alcohol-related deaths, and most nighttime crashes. Fulton ranked second, with the highest speeding fatalities and unbelted deaths. Gwinnett had the highest percentage of alcohol-related crashes. Cobb and Richmond reported lower overall fatalities but still posted high rates of drunk driving and restraint non-compliance.
A Call for Change
The findings highlight urgent areas for improvement:
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Nighttime enforcement of DUI and speed laws.
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Public awareness campaigns promoting seatbelt and helmet use.
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Policy measures to target high-risk age groups and counties.
“Georgia can save hundreds of lives by tackling these three core issues: drunk driving, speeding, and restraint use,” said the John Foy & Associates spokesperson. “The numbers don’t lie; simple changes could prevent many of these fatalities.”
About John Foy & Associates
John Foy & Associates is one of Georgia’s most respected personal injury law firms, representing victims of car accidents and their families. With decades of experience, the firm is committed to fighting for justice on behalf of injured clients. Clients pay nothing unless the firm wins