New data from John Foy & Associates reveals troubling trends on Georgia’s roads, with just five counties accounting for more than a quarter of the state’s deadly crashes in 2023.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the United States recorded 40,901 motor vehicle fatalities in 2023. Georgia made up 1,615 of those deaths, about 4% of the national total. Of the Peach State’s 159 counties, five alone- DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb, and Richmond- were responsible for 436 fatalities, or 27% of the statewide total.
The findings highlight which counties are home to the state’s most dangerous driving behaviors, and why residents of Georgia’s urban centers face the greatest risks on the road.
Georgia’s Five Deadliest Counties
The top five high-fatality counties were:
- DeKalb County — 151 fatalities
- Fulton County — 112 fatalities
- Gwinnett County — 67 fatalities
- Cobb County — 54 fatalities
- Richmond County — 52 fatalities
Together, these counties represent Georgia’s most populous regions and its busiest roadways. Atlanta (spanning Fulton and DeKalb), Augusta (Richmond), and suburbs like Marietta, Lawrenceville, and Sandy Springs bring dense traffic, nightlife activity, and heavy commuter flows—all factors that elevate crash risks.
Fatalities by Gender and Age
Of Georgia’s 1,615 road deaths in 2023, 70% were male (1,131 fatalities) and 30% were female (480 fatalities)—a pattern consistent with national data showing men are more likely to engage in risky driving behaviors such as speeding, drunk driving, and failing to wear a seatbelt.
By age group:
- 25–34 year-olds made up 22% of fatalities, the single largest group, reflecting both higher driving activity and risk-taking behavior.
- 35–64 year-olds accounted for 43% of deaths, driven by long commutes and frequent road use.
- 16–24 year-olds represented 17% of fatalities, reflecting inexperience behind the wheel.
- 65 and older drivers comprised 14% of crash deaths, often tied to slower reaction times.
- Children under 16 made up just 3.5% of fatalities, with many protected by child safety seats.
These figures confirm that Georgia’s riskiest drivers are overwhelmingly adults in their prime driving years.
Night Driving: A Major Danger
The data also confirms that nighttime driving is particularly deadly. Of the 436 fatalities across the five counties, 310 (71%) occurred at night.
DeKalb County recorded the most nighttime fatalities (112), followed by Fulton (78). Low visibility, fatigue, and higher rates of impaired driving all contribute to the increased risks after dark.
Drunk Driving: More Than One in Four Fatalities
Alcohol impairment remains a leading factor in Georgia’s worst crash counties. Of the 436 deaths:
- 124 (28%) involved a driver with a BAC of 0.08 or higher.
- DeKalb had the highest total (45 drunk driving deaths), followed by Fulton (31), Gwinnett (20), Richmond (15), and Cobb (13).
These figures underscore the persistent threat of impaired driving, particularly in urban areas with busy nightlife.
Speeding: Fulton County Leads the Pack
Speeding accounted for 89 fatalities (20% of the five-county total). Fulton County was the worst offender, with 35 speeding-related deaths (31% of its total).
Other counties recorded smaller but still concerning proportions: Gwinnett (16), DeKalb (22), Cobb (8), and Richmond (8). While Georgia’s five worst counties fall below the national speeding average of 29%, Fulton’s high rate highlights the dangers of reckless driving in heavily urbanized areas.
Seatbelt and Helmet Non-Use: Georgia’s Weakest Link
The most alarming data point is Georgia’s lack of safety compliance. 107 of 285 deaths (38%) in the five counties were unbelted or unhelmeted victims.
- Fulton County was the worst, with 48% of fatalities unrestrained.
- Cobb followed at 43%, Gwinnett at 35%, Richmond at 33%, and DeKalb at nearly 30%.
By comparison, the national average is just 8.1%. This gap underscores a critical need for stronger seatbelt and helmet enforcement in Georgia.
How Georgia Compares to National Averages
- Drunk Driving: Georgia’s five counties hover close to the national average (30%).
- Speeding: Most counties fall below the national average (29%), except Fulton (31%).
- Unbelted Victims: Georgia far exceeds the national 8%, with rates between 30% and 48%.
The data shows Georgia’s biggest challenge isn’t speeding but rather safety compliance. Simply buckling up could save hundreds of lives each year.
County-by-County Takeaways
- DeKalb County: The deadliest, with 151 total fatalities, 45 drunk driving deaths, and the highest number of nighttime crashes (112).
- Fulton County: The worst for speeding (31% of fatalities) and seatbelt non-use (48%).
- Gwinnett County: The highest percentage of drunk driving crashes (30%).
- Cobb & Richmond Counties: Lower totals overall, but concerning levels of drunk driving and unbelted fatalities.
Conclusion
In 2023, just five counties—DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb, and Richmond—accounted for more than a quarter of Georgia’s road deaths. Men aged 25–64 remain most at risk, nighttime driving proves most deadly, and seatbelt/helmet non-use is Georgia’s most urgent safety gap.
❝A significant number of Georgia’s crash victims would still be alive had they simply buckled up,❞ the study concludes.
